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Updated: May 30, 2026
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Resting energy expenditure and metabolic parameters in small for gestational age moderately preterm infants
Jacqueline Bauer1, Markus Masin, Katharina Brodner
1Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Münster, Germany. jb2604@columbia.edu
Insights
Small for gestational age (SGA) preterm infants exhibit increased resting energy expenditure (REE) shortly after birth compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants. This finding suggests altered metabolic needs in SGA neonates requiring further nutritional research.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Metabolism
- Perinatal Research
Background:
- Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) face unique physiological challenges.
- Understanding metabolic adaptations in preterm SGA infants is crucial for optimal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare resting energy expenditure (REE), hormonal parameters, and lipid profiles in moderately preterm SGA infants versus appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants.
- To investigate metabolic differences in the first week of life.
Main Methods:
- Indirect calorimetry was used to measure REE in both SGA and AGA preterm infants.
- Blood samples were collected concurrently with REE measurements for hormonal and lipid profile analysis.
Main Results:
- SGA preterm infants showed significantly higher REE compared to AGA preterm infants (p < 0.002).
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly higher in the AGA group than in the SGA group (p = 0.002).
- No significant differences were observed in other hormonal parameters, lipid profiles, or blood pressure between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Intrauterine growth restriction, indicated by SGA status, is linked to increased REE in moderately preterm infants.
- These findings highlight potential alterations in energy metabolism in SGA preterm neonates.
- Further research is needed to inform nutritional guidelines for this vulnerable population.
Aims:
The purpose of the present study was to analyze resting energy expenditure (REE), hormonal parameters and lipid profile in small for gestational age (SGA) moderately preterm infants compared to their appropriate for gestational age (AGA) counterparts in the first week after birth.
Methods:
REE was measured in all participants using indirect calorimetry. Blood samples of all infants were collected at the same study point together with indirect calorimetry measurements.
Results:
A total of 32 infants including 16 preterm infants born SGA and 16 AGA preterm neonates were recruited for the study, with a mean gestational age of 35 ± 1 weeks in both groups. REE values in the SGA group were significantly increased compared to the AGA group data after birth (p < 0.002). Low-density lipoprotein levels from the AGA group were significantly higher (p = 0.002) when compared to the SGA infants. No other clinical differences in hormonal parameters, lipid profile or blood pressure levels were identified between the two groups.
Conclusions:
In addition to low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation is associated with a statistically significant increase in REE in SGA moderately premature infants shortly after birth, which requires further investigation when establishing nutritional recommendations in this cohort.
