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Nutrition and growth in infants born preterm from birth to adulthood

Maria Lorella Giannì1, Paola Roggero, Francesca Garbarino

  • 1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

Early Human Development
|September 19, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Preventing extra-uterine growth restriction in preterm infants is crucial for healthy neurodevelopment. This review examines nutritional strategies to optimize growth from birth through adulthood.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Pediatric growth and development
  • Preterm infant care

Background:

  • Extra-uterine growth restriction (EUGR) in preterm infants can negatively impact neurodevelopment and adult health.
  • Understanding the long-term growth trajectory of very-low-birth-weight infants is essential.
  • Early life growth disturbances require comprehensive management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review nutritional interventions for preventing EUGR in preterm infants during hospitalization and post-discharge.
  • To explore the dynamic growth patterns of preterm infants from birth to adulthood.
  • To highlight the importance of optimizing growth for long-term health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of nutritional strategies for preterm infants.
  • Analysis of growth data from birth through adulthood.
  • Synthesis of current evidence on managing EUGR.

Main Results:

  • Nutritional interventions during and after hospitalization are key to preventing EUGR.
  • Consistent monitoring and tailored nutrition support are vital for optimal growth.
  • Growth patterns in preterm infants show significant changes throughout development.

Conclusions:

  • Effective nutritional strategies are critical for improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
  • Addressing EUGR is essential for preventing long-term health complications.
  • A comprehensive understanding of preterm infant growth is necessary for lifelong health.

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