PLASMA LIPID PATTERNS IN ENTERALLY-FED VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (VLBW) NEONATES. 1905

Data on what constitutes “normal” plasma lipid patterns in VLBW neonates fed enterally is scarce. Our objective was to assess plasma lipid patterns in enterally fed VLBW infants. We analyzed plasma total lipids, cholesterol, free fatty acids and triglycerides in 74 VLBW neonates who had been randomized to either intermittent or continuous nasogastric feedings with an 80 kcal/dl formula containing 50% of its fat as medium-chain triglycerides. Results (at mean postnatal ages of 25 ± 12 days) for both groups are as follows (means ± SD): TableTable

Table 1

Weekly plasma lipid values also did not vary over time within each group.

Conclusion: In enterally fed VLBW neonates, plasma lipid patters are comparable to levels reported in infants receiving parenteral fat emulsions.

Table 2