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[Metabolic function characteristics and respiratory pathology of premature infants]
Insights
Premature infants with pneumonia show decreased adaptation and altered blood lipid profiles, especially when formula-fed. These findings highlight the need for specialized dietary management for vulnerable premature children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Premature infants face significant health challenges, including increased susceptibility to infections and nutritional deficiencies.
- Pneumonia and hypotrophy are common complications in premature neonates, impacting their long-term health outcomes.
- Nutritional strategies play a crucial role in the management and recovery of premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pneumonia and hypotrophy on enzymatic functions and adaptation processes in premature children.
- To compare the effects of natural versus formula feeding on lipid profiles in premature neonates.
- To assess the incidence of pneumonia and the development of asthmatic syndrome in premature children.
Main Methods:
- Examined 143 premature infants (0-3 months) and 28 children (<3 years) with varying birth weights.
- Assessed blood serum enzymatic functions, including uropepsin, glutathione, protease, and lipase activity.
- Analyzed lipid profiles (total lipids, cholesterol, phospholipids, free fatty acids, acetone) in relation to feeding methods.
Main Results:
- Decreased adaptation processes were observed in premature children with acute pneumonia and during hypotrophy recovery.
- Formula-fed premature neonates exhibited lower levels of total lipids, cholesterol, and phospholipids compared to breastfed infants.
- Premature children had a significantly higher incidence of pneumonia and a higher likelihood of developing asthmatic syndrome following respiratory illnesses.
Conclusions:
- Enzymatic function studies reveal impaired adaptation in premature infants with pneumonia and hypotrophy.
- Formula feeding in premature neonates is associated with altered lipid metabolism.
- Premature infants are at higher risk for respiratory infections and subsequent asthmatic complications, necessitating tailored nutritional interventions.
Abstract:
A total of 143 premature children of the first 3 months of life (the body weight upon birth 1200-2500 g) staying at a specialized hospital, and 28 children (the body weight upon birth 1100-2500 g) under 3 years staying at a pulmonological sanatorium were examined. Studies on enzymatic functions (uropepsin, glutathione, protease and lipase activity in the blood serum) revealed a decrease in adaptation processes in premature children with acute pneumonia, and during reconvalescence in children with hypotrophy. In premature neonates on formula feeding with a mixture of "Malyutka", the content of total lipids, cholesterol and phospholipids was lower than in children on natural feeding. The content of free fatty acids and acetone tended towards an increase during formula feeding. Pneumonia incidence in premature children was 4 times higher in the first year of life and 2 1/2-2 times higher in the second and third years of life, as compared to full-term babies. The respiratory diseases in premature children were followed by the asthmatic syndrome. The results obtained may be used for the development of dietetic management of premature children with pneumonia and hypotrophy.