MEASUREMENT OF METABOLIC SUBSTRATE TURNOVER RATES IN LBW INFANTS

University Of Colorado Denver, Aurora CO

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Current neonatal feeding practices in the very premature infant produce a postnatal growth failure in the first weeks of life. Feedings (both intravenous and by mouth) are often withheld in these fragile infants because of concerns that they will not tolerate the nutrients given to them as a result of the stress of birth, their extreme prematurity, and the stress of the heart and lung problems that can be seen in these newborns. We believe these tiny infants can actually tolerate higher intakes than are commonly given and that sufficient protein and energy can be given to avoid the postnatal inadequate growth. The study randomizes very premature newborns to either "low" (a commonly used amount in nurseries today) or "high" (much more than is commonly used, but an amount that could theoretically produce actual muscle growth at a rate seen in the fetus of the same gestational age). This study looks at how well these two diets are tolerated, if they are safe, and what the differences are between the two groups in weight gain and gain of muscle.