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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

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Linear growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes

Katie M Pfister1, Sara E Ramel1

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2450 Riverside Avenue East Building MB 630, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.

Clinics in Perinatology
|May 31, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants often experience growth and neurodevelopmental delays. Optimizing nutrition, particularly protein intake, and reducing inflammation can improve their long-term health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Pediatric neurodevelopment
  • Growth disorders

Background:

  • Preterm infants face challenges in growth and neurodevelopment compared to full-term infants.
  • Nutritional and non-nutritional factors contribute to these disparities.
  • Linear stunting and reduced fat-free mass are common in preterm infants, indicating impaired organ and brain development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical role of nutrition, especially protein, in preterm infant development.
  • To underscore the impact of nutritional deficiencies on growth and neurodevelopment.
  • To propose strategies for improving long-term outcomes in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review of existing research on preterm infant growth and neurodevelopment.
  • Analysis of nutritional and non-nutritional factors impacting development.
  • Examination of the role of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and zinc in brain development.

Main Results:

  • Protein, carbohydrates, fats, and zinc are essential for brain development.
  • Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to linear growth failure and developmental delays.
  • Inflammatory episodes and suboptimal growth hormone axis function exacerbate these issues.

Conclusions:

  • Optimizing nutrition, with a focus on adequate protein intake, is crucial for preterm infants.
  • Reducing inflammatory episodes and supporting the growth hormone axis are key to improving outcomes.
  • Interventions targeting nutrition and inflammation can mitigate long-term growth and neurodevelopmental deficits.

Keywords:
Fat-free massInflammationLinear growthNeurodevelopmentOutcomesPremature infantsVery low birth weight

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