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Calcium and phosphate content of intravenous feeding regimens for very low birthweight infants
Insights
Higher calcium and phosphate intake in intravenous feeding for premature infants (BW < 1500g) led to lower plasma phosphate levels. Optimal nutrient balance is crucial for infant growth and development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Premature infants with birth weights below 1500 g often require intravenous feeding.
- Establishing optimal calcium and phosphate balance is critical for the growth and metabolic health of these vulnerable infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of two different intravenous feeding regimens with varying calcium and phosphate content on premature infants.
- To assess the impact of these regimens on plasma and urine mineral concentrations and infant weight gain.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen infants (birth weight < 1500 g) requiring intravenous feeding were divided into two groups.
- Group A received lower calcium (0.55 mmol/kg/day) and phosphate (0.44 mmol/kg/day) intakes.
- Group B received higher calcium (1.08 mmol/kg/day) and phosphate (0.89 mmol/kg/day) intakes.
Main Results:
- Infants on the higher intake regimen (B) exhibited lower plasma phosphate concentrations compared to those on the lower intake regimen (A).
- Plasma calcium concentrations were higher in infants receiving regimen A.
- In regimen B, plasma phosphate was inversely related to weight gain, and urine mineral excretion correlated with sodium levels.
Conclusions:
- The higher calcium and phosphate regimen (B) resulted in lower plasma phosphate levels in premature infants.
- This suggests a potential for improved mineral homeostasis with adjusted nutrient delivery.
- Further research is needed to optimize intravenous feeding strategies for extremely low birth weight infants.
Abstract:
Fifteen infants with birth weights below 1500 g, who required intravenous feeding from birth, were given one of two regimens differing only in their calcium and phosphate content. The duration of intravenous feeding varied from 26 to 75 days, and infants were studied after the age of 10 days when growth could be expected to have started. Five infants were given regimen A, which provided calcium and phosphate intakes of 0.55 and 0.44 mmol/kg/day, and 10 received regimen B, which provided intakes of 1.08 and 0.89 mmol/kg/day, respectively. Infants given regimen A had lower plasma and urine phosphate but similar urine calcium excretion to those given regimen B. Plasma calcium concentrations were higher in infants on regimen A than regimen B. In infants given regimen B plasma phosphate concentration was inversely related to weight gain, and urine phosphate and calcium concentrations were significantly correlated with urine sodium results.