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Energy expenditure in very low birth weight newborns: a comparison between small and appropriate-for-gestational-age

Mel Moreira1, Fvm Soares1, Mdbb Meio1

  • 1Department of Neonatology, IFF/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|January 29, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Resting energy expenditure (REE) in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) very low birth weight newborns did not differ significantly at term-corrected age. Both groups exhibited higher REE than reference values, suggesting prematurity-related factors require further study.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are at risk for altered growth and metabolism.
  • Distinguishing between small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) VLBW infants is crucial for understanding their unique physiological needs.
  • Resting energy expenditure (REE) is a key indicator of metabolic status in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare REE in SGA and AGA VLBW newborns.
  • To assess REE after achieving corrected at-term gestational age.
  • To identify potential metabolic differences between SGA and AGA VLBW infants.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study included clinically stable VLBW newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit.
  • Newborns were categorized as SGA or AGA based on gestational age.
  • Indirect calorimetry was used to measure REE at corrected at-term age.

Main Results:

  • A total of 51 VLBW infants (23 SGA, 28 AGA) were analyzed.
  • No statistically significant difference in REE was observed between SGA and AGA groups.
  • Observed REE levels in both groups were higher than established reference values.

Conclusions:

  • SGA and AGA VLBW infants show no significant difference in REE upon reaching term-corrected age.
  • Elevated REE in both groups suggests that prematurity and associated complications may influence energy metabolism.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the factors contributing to higher energy expenditure in these infants.
Abstract

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