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Effect of body weight on temperature control and energy expenditure in preterm infants

Tzu-Hui Lei1, Reyin Lien, Jen-Fu Hsu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Ton-Yen General Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan.

Pediatrics and Neonatology
|August 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Resting energy expenditure (REE) increased in premature infants when weaned from incubators. The REE increase was similar for both lower and higher body weight groups, suggesting safe weaning at 1800g.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Premature infants require careful management during incubator weaning.
  • Resting energy expenditure (REE) is a key metabolic indicator in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare REE changes in preterm infants of varying body weights during incubator weaning.
  • To test the hypothesis that lower body weight infants exhibit a larger REE increase upon weaning.

Main Methods:

  • Indirect calorimetry was used to measure REE in stable preterm infants (1800-2200 g).
  • Measurements were taken before and after incubator weaning.
  • Infants were divided into two groups based on body weight: 1800-2000 g (Group B) and 2000-2200 g (Group A).

Main Results:

  • A significant increase in REE was observed in both groups post-weaning.
  • Group A: REE increased from 62 to 69 kcal/kg/day (p=0.045).
  • Group B: REE increased from 65 to 70 kcal/kg/day (p=0.001).
  • No significant difference in the magnitude of REE increment was found between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Incubator weaning significantly increases REE in preterm infants.
  • The REE increment during weaning is comparable between smaller and larger preterm infants.
  • Incubator weaning can be safely initiated when preterm infants reach a body weight of 1800 g.
Abstract

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