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Guidelines for feeding very low birth weight infants

Sourabh Dutta1, Balpreet Singh2, Lorraine Chessell3

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University Children's Hospital, Hamilton L8S4L8, Ontario, Canada. sdutta@mcmaster.ca.

Nutrients
|January 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Optimal nutrition for very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates is crucial for growth and development. This review provides evidence-based guidelines for VLBW infant feeding practices, addressing common controversies and special circumstances.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Nutrition

Background:

  • Feeding very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates is essential but controversial.
  • Optimal nutrition impacts growth, neurological outcomes, sepsis, and retinopathy of prematurity.
  • Practice heterogeneity exists among neonatologists and pediatricians.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the literature on VLBW infant feeding.
  • To critically appraise the evidence level for feeding practices.
  • To generate comprehensive, evidence-based feeding guidelines for VLBW infants.

Main Methods:

  • A working group systematically reviewed and appraised literature on VLBW infant feeding.
  • Key questions regarding VLBW infant nutrition were addressed.
  • Guidelines were developed based on the literature review.

Main Results:

  • Guidelines cover trophic feeding, nutritional feeding, and fortification.
  • Special circumstances, feed tolerance assessment, and management of gastric residuals are discussed.
  • Management of gastro-esophageal reflux and glycerin enemas are included.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence-based guidelines are provided to address controversies in VLBW infant feeding.
  • The guidelines aim to standardize and optimize nutritional support for VLBW neonates.
  • These recommendations support improved growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

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