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Long-term effects on growth of an energy-enhanced parenteral nutrition in preterm newborn: A quasi-experimental study
Gianluca Terrin1, Alessandra Coscia2, Giovanni Boscarino1
1Department of Maternal and Child Health Policlinico Umberto I, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Energy-enhanced parenteral nutrition (PN) did not significantly improve long-term growth in preterm newborns. High complication rates associated with PN raise concerns about current high energy intake guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Parenteral nutrition (PN) is crucial for preterm newborns lacking adequate enteral intake.
- Optimizing energy delivery in PN is essential for growth but carries risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal energy intake in parenteral nutrition for preterm infants.
- To evaluate the impact of energy-enhanced PN on long-term growth and associated complications.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental study compared two cohorts of preterm newborns receiving energy-enhanced versus standard PN.
- Growth at 24 months and PN-associated complications were the primary outcome measures.
Main Results:
- While body weight and length were higher at 24 months in the energy-enhanced PN cohort, Z-scores remained similar.
- The rate of PN-associated complications was very high (up to 98%) in both cohorts.
- Standard PN and early energy intake were associated with length at 24 months.
Conclusions:
- Energy-enhanced PN in early life does not significantly impact long-term growth in preterm infants.
- The high incidence of PN-associated complications questions the current guidelines recommending high energy intake.
Aim:
To assess the best energy intake in Parenteral Nutrition (PN) for preterm newborns, considering both possible benefits for growth and risk of complications.
Methods:
Quasi-experimental study comparing two cohorts of newborns, receiving Energy-Enhanced vs. Standard PN (Cohort A, from 1st January 2015 to 31 January 2016 and Cohort B from 1st February 2016 to 31 March 2017; respectively) after implementation of a change in the PN protocol. The primary outcome measure was growth at 24 months of life. The PN associated complications were also measured.
Results:
We enrolled 132 newborns in two Cohorts, similar for prenatal and postnatal clinical characteristics. Although, body weight and length at 24 months of life were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the Cohort A (11.1, 95% CI 10.6 to 11.6 Kg; 85.0 95% CI 83.8 to 86.2 cm) compared with Cohort B (10.4, 95% CI 9.9 to 10.9 Kg; 81.3 95% CI 79.7 to 82.8 cm), body weight and length Z-Score in the first 24 months of life were similar between the two Cohorts. The rate of PN associated complications was very high in both study Cohorts (up to 98% of enrolments). Multivariate analysis showed that length at 24 months was significantly associated with receiving standard PN (cohort A) in the first week of life and on the energy intake in the first week of life. We also found a marginally insignificant association between Cohort A assignment and body weight at 24 months of life (p = 0.060).
Conclusions:
Energy-enhanced PN in early life has not significant effects on long-term growth in preterm newborns. The high prevalence of PN associated complications, poses concerns about the utility of high energy intake recommended by current guidelines for PN.
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