Abstract
Background: Nutritional regimens high in protein and energy have been introduced to very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants to improve growth and clinical outcome.
Aim: To evaluate two standardized feeding strategies on phosphate levels in VLBW infants during the first week of life.
Methods: Fifty infants (< 1500g) were prospectively randomized to either an enhanced (intervention) or a standard (control) feeding protocol within 24 h after birth. Results are presented as means (ranges). T-test, Fisher's Exact Test and Pearson's correlation, r, were applied.
Results: Main characteristics and 1st week nutrient supply are presented below.
Nine infants in the intervention group, and none in the control group developed severe hypophosphatemia (phosphate < 0.80 mmol/L), (p< 0.001).
Phosphate levels correlated with birth weight (r=0.41, p< 0.01), and 5 out of 6 infants in the intervention group with z-score for weight < -2 had severe hypophosphatemia. Furthermore, phosphate and potassium levels correlated significantly (r=0.61, p< 0.001).
Conclusions: Enhanced feeding in VLBW Infants may promote hypophosphatemia; the hallmark of refeeding syndrome. Adequate supply of phosphorus and potassium may be essential during the initial phase of nutrition therapy.
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Moltu, S., Strømmen, K., Blakstad, E. et al. Enhanced Feeding and Hypophosphatemia in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants During the First Week of Life. Pediatr Res 70 (Suppl 5), 139 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.364
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.364