Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants Receiving a Multicomponent vs. a Soybean-Based Lipid Emulsion: 24...

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Limited research exists on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes comparing multicomponent versus soybean-based lipid emulsions (LE) in preterm infants on parenteral nutrition (PN).
• Previous findings indicated improved head circumference growth in preterm infants receiving multicomponent LE during hospitalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the 24-month corrected age neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants who received either a multicomponent LE (SMOFlipid®) or a soybean-based LE (Intralipid®) as part of their parenteral nutrition.
• To determine if the type of lipid emulsion impacts long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories.

Main Methods:

• A 24-month follow-up study of preterm infants previously enrolled in a randomized trial.
• Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at 24 months corrected age (CA) in infants who received either SMOFlipid® or Intralipid®.
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, outcomes were evaluated in 77 of the 93 eligible children.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in major disability rates between the multicomponent LE group (37 infants) and the soybean-based LE group (40 infants).
• Griffith's evaluation scores also showed no significant differences between the two lipid emulsion groups.
• Seventy-seven children completed the neurodevelopmental assessment at 24 months CA.

Conclusions:

• The administration of a multicomponent LE, including fish oil, did not demonstrate significant effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months corrected age in preterm infants when compared to a soybean-based LE.
• Findings suggest that while initial growth may differ, long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories are not significantly altered by the type of LE used in this cohort.
• Further research may be warranted to explore other potential long-term effects or specific subgroups of preterm infants.