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Sex-specific relationships between early nutrition and neurodevelopment in preterm infants

Anna C Tottman1, Frank H Bloomfield1,2, Barbara E Cormack1,2

  • 1Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Pediatric Research
|November 30, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Early nutrition impacts neurodevelopment in preterm infants. Higher fat and enteral feed intake in the first month improved outcomes in girls, but not boys, suggesting sex-specific needs.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Background:

  • Early nutrition is crucial for neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm infants.
  • The influence of early nutrition on neurodevelopment may differ between sexes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate sex-specific associations between early nutrition and neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm infants.
  • To determine if nutritional intake in the first month of life impacts survival without neurodevelopmental impairment differently in boys and girls.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of infants born before 30 weeks gestational age or with birth weight <1500g.
  • Nutritional intakes (macronutrients, energy, fluids) were calculated and averaged over the first 7 days (week 1) and 28 days (month 1).
  • Primary outcome was survival without neurodevelopmental impairment at 2 years corrected age.

Main Results:

  • Girls had higher survival rates without neurodevelopmental impairment (82% vs. 72%, P=0.02).
  • Overall, increased energy, fat, and enteral feeds in week 1 and month 1 were associated with improved outcomes.
  • These associations showed significant sex interactions; higher week 1 fat, energy, and enteral feed intakes were linked to improved outcomes specifically in girls.

Conclusions:

  • Early nutritional intake, particularly fat and enteral feeds, is associated with better neurodevelopmental outcomes in girls, but not boys.
  • Findings suggest potential sex-specific nutritional requirements in the neonatal period for very preterm infants.
  • Further research is warranted to establish sex-specific neonatal nutritional guidelines.
Abstract

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