We evaluated the use of early enteral feeding protocols (EEFP) for preterm infants with birth weights of 751 - 1200 g (Group I) and 1201 - 1500 g (Group II) during study (S) and retrospective periods (R). Infants were evaluated for growth and nutritional intake at birth and weekly intervals throughout the neonatal period. Hypothesis: EEFP will lead to earlier institution of enteral nutrition (EN), improved caloric intake and growth, and shorter duration of parenteral nutrition (PN). Results are summarized below(M±SD): Table The age at which EN was started was significantly less during the study period in each group; however, the age at which full EN (120 kcal/k/d) was reached was similar within groups. The ages when parenteral carbohydrate (CHO) and protein were added were similar within groups, whereas lipid was added significantly sooner during Group I S. At d7, PN kcal/k/d were significantly higher during the study period in each group, with significantly higher lipid kcal/k/d during the study period in Group II, d7 (19.1±6.4 vs. 12.8±5.0, p=.032) and Group I, d14(25.8±8.1 vs. 16.4±11.3, p=.011). This improved caloric intake did not persist on days 21 and 28. Weight, length, and head circumference were similar within groups at all time periods. The duration of PN nutrition was not significantly less during the study period. Conclusions: Routine utilization of EEFP contributed to more uniform, earlier onset of EN; however, caloric intake and growth were not significantly improved throughout the neonatal period, nor was the duration of PN significantly reduced at our institution.

Table 1
Full size table