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Nutritional intake and growth until two years of age in moderate and late preterms

Anne H Lafeber1, Roxanne C de Jong1, Mark Bosch1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, North West Clinics, Alkmaar, The Netherlands.

Pediatric Research
|May 20, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Moderate and late preterm infants (MLPTI) often miss nutritional targets, yet their growth up to 2 years corrected age (CA) showed no association with intake. Despite initial weight gain, MLPTI establish their own growth trajectory.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Pediatric growth and development
  • Preterm infant care

Background:

  • Moderate and late preterm infants (gestational age 32 0/7–36 6/7 weeks) are susceptible to growth issues.
  • Nutritional intake and growth patterns in these infants require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess adherence to nutritional recommendations in MLPTI up to 6 months corrected age (CA).
  • To evaluate the growth of MLPTI until 2 years CA.
  • To determine the relationship between nutritional intake and growth in MLPTI up to 2 years CA.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective collection of nutritional intake data from 100 MLPTI at multiple time points.
  • Regular anthropometric assessments from birth up to 2 years CA.
  • Analysis of nutritional intake and growth parameters using TNO growth curves.

Main Results:

  • Fewer than 40% of MLPTI met nutritional recommendations on day 7.
  • While protein intake adherence exceeded 80% after the first week, energy intake recommendations were met by fewer than 60%.
  • Weight z-scores initially improved but declined by 2 years CA, with no significant association found between nutritional intake and growth.

Conclusions:

  • No direct association was observed between nutritional intake and growth in MLPTI up to 2 years CA.
  • MLPTI may follow an independent growth curve, irrespective of meeting specific nutritional targets.
  • Findings suggest a potential need to re-evaluate current nutritional guidelines for MLPTI.
Abstract

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