Abstract
AIM: Longitudinal investigation of early postnatal growth and changes in total body water In “healthy” low-birth-welght Infants.
METHODS: 9 pretem infants (birth-weight: 1290 ±175 g, gestational age: 30±0.8 wks) were studied on postnatal day 4, 11 and 18 using the established technique of H218O dilution: administration by nasogastric tube with analysis of 18O enrichment In urine by mass-spectrometer. Weight, length and skinfolds were measured simultaneously. Weight gain was calculated In g/kg/d. Effective fluid (ml/kg/d) and energy (kcal/kg/d) intakes were recorded daily.
CONCLUSION: Independent of infants weight changes and independent of large variations in fluid intake, TBW remained remarkably constant from postnatal day 4 to day 18. This is in contrast with the concept that changes in body weight during the first days of life reflect the state of hydration. Weight loss and subsequent weight gain affect TBW and dry body mass equally. Initial weight loss may be therefore interpreted as the result of “starvation” and weight gain the result of refeeding.
SPECULATION: Could higher early energy intakes prevent initial weight loss, considered so far as “physiologic”?
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pfister, R., Michell, JL., Schutz, Y. et al. LONGITUDINAL MEASUREMENTS OF TOTAL BODY WATER AND GROWTH IN LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT INFANTS. Pediatr Res 32, 632 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00162
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00162