Malnutrition in the premature infant

Area of Science:

• Neonatal nutrition
• Pediatric intensive care

Background:

• Ill premature infants often experience acute semistarvation in the initial days of life.
• Nutritional support is frequently delayed due to perceived difficulties, despite potential short- and long-term adverse effects.
• Nutritional deprivation, though less severe, also occurs in the later neonatal period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the consequences of semistarvation and nutritional deprivation in ill premature infants.
• To identify common nutritional imbalances in current feeding regimens for premature infants.
• To determine the impact of qualitative malnutrition on body composition in growing premature infants.

Main Methods:

• Review of current feeding practices for ill premature infants.
• Analysis of nutritional intake (protein and energy) in relation to growth and body composition.
• Assessment of short-term and potential long-term adverse effects of nutritional deficits.

Main Results:

• Qualitative malnutrition, marked by insufficient protein and excessive energy intake, is prevalent in current feeding regimens.
• This nutritional imbalance is associated with increased body fat deposition in growing small premature infants.
• The absence of immediate adverse effects does not preclude significant short-term harm or long-term sequelae.

Conclusions:

• Current feeding practices for ill premature infants can lead to significant nutritional deficits.
• Qualitative malnutrition contributes to adverse body composition changes, specifically increased adiposity.
• Re-evaluation of nutritional support strategies is crucial to prevent both immediate and long-term complications in premature infants.