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Published on: July 13, 2019
Peripherally inserted central catheters optimize nutrient intake in moderately preterm infants
Anne L Smazal1, Anne B Kavars2, Susan J Carlson2
1Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Insights
Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines improve nutrient delivery for moderately preterm infants. This leads to significantly better weight gain by discharge, supporting enhanced growth in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infant Growth and Development
Background:
- Nutritional support practices vary for moderately preterm infants (32-34 weeks gestation).
- Very preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation) routinely receive intensive nutritional support via central lines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use on nutrient delivery within the first two weeks of life.
- To assess the effect of PICC-delivered nutrition on growth outcomes in moderately preterm infants by hospital discharge.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 187 infants born between 32 and 34 6/7 weeks gestation.
- Comparison of nutrient intake and weight gain between infants receiving nutrition via PICC and those who did not.
- Data collection included feedings, weights, and PICC placement records.
Main Results:
- Infants receiving nutrition via PICC had significantly higher kilocalorie and protein intake in the first week of life.
- PICC group infants received an average of 17.6 more kcal/day and 1.2 more g protein/kg/day.
- By discharge, infants in the PICC group showed significantly greater weight gain (302g more).
Conclusions:
- Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines facilitate superior nutrient delivery in moderately preterm infants.
- PICC use is associated with enhanced growth and weight gain in this population.
- This method supports improved nutritional outcomes for infants born between 32-34 weeks gestation.
Background:
While very preterm (<32 wk gestation) infants are routinely provided intensive nutritional support via central line, clinical practice varies for nutrient delivery in infants born moderately preterm (32-34 wk gestation). We sought to define the impact of nutritional support via peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) on nutrient delivery in the first 2 wk of life and growth by discharge.
Methods:
Data were extracted from the records of 187 infants born between 32 and 34 6/7 wk gestation and admitted to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital between April 2012 and December 2013. Records of all feedings, weights, and PICC placements were collected. The growth outcomes at discharge for infants who received nutrition via PICC were compared to those who did not.
Results:
In the first week of life, newborns who received nutrition via PICC line received 17.6 more kilocalories (confidence interval (CI): 12.5-22.7, P < 0.001) and 1.2 more grams protein per kilogram body weight per day (CI: 0.9-1.4, P < 0.001) compared to control infants. By discharge, the PICC group had gained 302 g more body weight (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates superior nutrient intake and growth in the first 2 wk of life for infants who received nutrition via PICC line.
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