Abstract
M and SU were studied using a new indirect calorimeter which fits into an incubator and allows around the clock measurements. 7 VLB (≤ 1'500 g) were kept under standard nursing conditions in a thermoneutral environment. V02 and VC02 were continuously measured by a mass spectrometer in an open system. From these data and urinary nitrogen excretion M and SU were computed :
It is concluded that with the actual managment of VLB (thermoneutrality, glucose infusion, early feeding) their M can be compared to that of healthy term newborns. However, in their extrauterine metabolic adaptation, energy expenditure is mainly covered by carbohydrate oxidation throughout the first month of life, ingested lipids and proteins being spared for storage and growth.
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Micheli, J., Stettler, E., Jequier, E. et al. Energy metabolism (M) and substrate utilisation (SU) in very low birthweight infants (VLB) during the first month of life: 57. Pediatr Res 14, 174 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198002000-00084
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198002000-00084