Abstract
Aims: To analyze the changes in leptin serum levels (LSL), body mass index (BMI) and total body fat (TBF) during the first year in preterm infants (PI), comparing those who received an adapted standard formula (AF) after hospital discharge with those fed with a formula for premature infants (PF).
Methods: Seventy-two PI were included in the study (32.1±1.9 weeks and 1,712±340 g). Thirtysix received AF (Energy: 67kcal/100ml; proteins: 1.2g/100ml) and 36 received PF (Energy: 81kcal/100ml, proteins: 2.3g/100 ml) from hospital discharge until corrected postnatal age (CA) of 4 months. The data were obtained at 36 weeks postconceptional age (PCA, baseline), and at 3, 6 and 12 months CA.
Results: In all the PI studied, skinfold measurements and percentage TBF showed an important increase from baseline to 3 months CA, decreasing from 6 to 12 months CA. LSL showed a significant correlation with these variables at 3 and 6 months CA, and also with BMI at 6 months CA.
Throughout the study period, the infants fed with PF showed significant higher values for BMI at 6 and 12 months CA, as well as for the increase in BMI and sum of 4 skinfolds from 36 weeks PCA to 6 months CA. There were no significant differences between the two groups in size or LSL.
Conclusions: Nutrition with a formula of greater energy and protein content during the first four months after hospital discharge in PI was associated with higher BMI and body fat without affecting statural growth or LSL.
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Díaz-Gómez, N., Doménech, E., Barroso, F. et al. 362 Leptin Levels and Body Composition During the First Year of Life in Premature Infants and Their Relationship with Nutrition. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 187 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00362
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00362