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Diluted formula for beginning the feeding of premature infants
W J Currao1, C Cox, D L Shapiro
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester (NY) School of Medicine.
Insights
Advancing feedings with half-strength formula in premature infants led to earlier achievement of enteral energy goals. This method also resulted in fewer feeding residuals compared to full-strength formula.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Nutrition
Background:
- Premature infants require specialized feeding strategies to meet their nutritional needs.
- Optimizing the advancement of enteral feedings is crucial for growth and development in low birth weight infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of two feeding advancement regimens in premature infants.
- To determine if half-strength formula is preferable to full-strength formula for enteral feeding advancement.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 50 premature infants (birth weight < 1500 g).
- Infants were assigned to either full-strength (FS) formula or half-strength formula advancement protocols.
- Groups were compared based on time to reach a target enteral energy intake of 420 J (100 cal)/kg.
Main Results:
- The half-strength formula group reached the target enteral energy intake significantly earlier than the FS group.
- Infants receiving half-strength formula exhibited fewer feeding residuals.
- Both groups received formula with an energy density of 84 J/30 mL (20 cal/oz).
Conclusions:
- Advancing enteral feedings with half-strength formula is an effective strategy for premature infants.
- This method facilitates earlier achievement of nutritional targets and may improve feeding tolerance.
- Half-strength formula advancement offers a potential benefit in the nutritional management of very low birth weight infants.
Abstract:
To evaluate whether there is a preferable mode of advancing feedings in premature infants, 50 infants with birth weights of less than 1500 g were randomized into two groups. Twenty-eight infants were begun on a regimen of full-strength (FS) formula (84 J/30 mL [20 cal/oz]), and the volume of formula was advanced on a daily basis. Twenty-two infants received half-strength formula (equal parts, 84 J/30 mL [20 cal/oz] formula and water) and were advanced at twice the volume per feeding as the FS group. The groups were compared with respect to the amount of time needed to reach an enteral energy intake of 420 J (100 cal)/kg. The half-strength feeding group had fewer residuals and reached the indicated energy intake level earlier than infants in the FS group.