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.

Plos One
|July 7, 2020
PubMed

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.
Abstract

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