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Do recommended protein intakes improve neurodevelopment in extremely preterm babies?

E A Cester1, F H Bloomfield2, J Taylor3

  • 1Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Neonatal Care Unit, University of Turin, Torino, Italy.

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|February 14, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Increasing protein intake for extremely low birthweight (ELBW) babies improved early growth but did not enhance neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years corrected age. Further randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings in ELBW infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Neurodevelopmental outcomes
  • Extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infant care

Background:

  • Optimal protein intake is crucial for extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants.
  • Improved early growth in ELBW infants may not translate to better long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Current feeding guidelines aim to meet protein recommendations for enhanced growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if meeting recommended protein intakes improves neurodevelopmental outcomes in ELBW infants.
  • To assess the association between enhanced protein nutrition, growth, and neurodevelopment.
  • To evaluate the impact of a new nutritional policy on ELBW infant outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study comparing ELBW infants before and after a new nutritional policy.
  • Assessment of 45 'before' and 42 'after' infants at 2 years corrected age.
  • Utilized Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III), motor, and sensory impairment evaluations.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in Bayley-III cognitive, motor, or language scores between cohorts.
  • Early growth and reduced postnatal faltering were observed with the new policy.
  • No differences in visual, hearing, or gross motor impairments (cerebral palsy) were found.

Conclusions:

  • Recommended protein intakes in ELBW infants improved early growth but not neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years corrected age.
  • Randomized controlled trials are necessary to definitively establish the effect of higher early protein intake on neurodevelopment.
  • Early nutritional interventions require further investigation for long-term benefits in ELBW populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
GrowthNeonatologyNeurodevelopmentNutrition

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