Preterm infants born small for gestational age (SGA) frequently have persistent growth retardation compared to appropriate size for gestational age(AGA) infants. Though increased energy expenditure (EE) has been described in SGA infants, there are conflicting data regarding other aspects of their metabolism. In order to develop optimal feeding strategies for these infants we measured nutrient balance, EE by double-labeled water and indirect calorimetry, extracellular volume by corrected bromide space, and total body water (TBW) by deuterium oxide in 12 AGA and 15 SGA preterm infants on comparable full enteral nutrient intakes. Available results are summarized below: Table There were no differences in protein(Pro), fat and carbohydrate (CHO) balances,% nutrient retention, or metabolizable energy intake (EI), indicating adequate nutrient digestion by SGA infants. Total EE was significantly elevated in SGA infants, due primarily to increased resting metabolism. Growth was comparable between the 2 groups.

Table 1 No caption available.
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