Editorial

4 pages, 189 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

by Paola Roggero, Nadia Liotto, Camilla Menis and Fabio Mosca

Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061857 - 22 Jun 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4646

Nutrition of preterm infants has a crucial role in the promotion of organ’s optimal growth and development [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Preterm Nutrition)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

9 pages, 609 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protein Intakes during Weaning from Parenteral Nutrition Drive Growth Gain and Body Composition in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants

by Nadia Liotto, Orsola Amato, Pasqua Piemontese, Camilla Menis, Anna Orsi, Maria Grazia Corti, Mariarosa Colnaghi, Valeria Cecchetti, Lorenza Pugni, Fabio Mosca and Paola Roggero

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051298 - 02 May 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3178

Abstract

Weaning from parenteral to enteral nutrition is a critical period to maintain an adequate growth in very low birth weight preterm infants (VLBWI). We evaluated the actual daily nutritional intakes during the transition phase (TP) in VLBWI with adequate and inadequate weight growth [...] Read more.

Weaning from parenteral to enteral nutrition is a critical period to maintain an adequate growth in very low birth weight preterm infants (VLBWI). We evaluated the actual daily nutritional intakes during the transition phase (TP) in VLBWI with adequate and inadequate weight growth velocity (GV ≥ 15 vs. GV < 15 g/kg/day). Fat-free mass (FFM) at term-corrected age (TCA) was compared between groups. Based on actual nutritional intakes of infants with adequate growth, we defined a standardized parenteral nutrition bag (SPB) for the TP. One hundred and six VLBWI were categorized as group 1 (G1): [GV < 15 (n = 56)] and group 2 (G2): [GV ≥ 15 (n = 50)]. The TP was divided into two periods: main parenteral nutritional intakes period (parenteral nutritional intakes >50%) (M-PNI) and main enteral nutritional intakes period (enteral nutritional intakes >50%) (M-ENI). Anthropometric measurements were assessed at discharge and TCA, FFM deposition at TCA. During M-PNI, G2 showed higher enteral protein intake compared to G1 (p = 0.05). During M-ENI, G2 showed higher parenteral protein (p = 0.01) and energy intakes (p < 0.001). A gradual reduction in SPB volume, together with progressive increase in enteral volume, allowed nutritional intakes similar to those of G2. At TCA, G2 had higher FFM compared to G1 (p = 0.04). The reasoned use of SPB could guarantee an adequate protein administration, allowing an adequate growth and higher FFM deposition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Preterm Nutrition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrition, Illness and Body Composition in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants: Implications for Nutritional Management and Neurocognitive Outcomes

by Sara E. Ramel, Jacob Haapala, Jennifer Super, Christopher Boys and Ellen W. Demerath

Nutrients 2020, 12(1), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010145 - 04 Jan 2020

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 3724

Abstract

Preterm infants have altered body composition compared to term infants, which impacts both neurodevelopment and metabolic health, but whether increased dietary intake during hospitalization, independent of illness, may improve body composition is unknown. This prospective, longitudinal study (n = 103) measured fat-free [...] Read more.

Preterm infants have altered body composition compared to term infants, which impacts both neurodevelopment and metabolic health, but whether increased dietary intake during hospitalization, independent of illness, may improve body composition is unknown. This prospective, longitudinal study (n = 103) measured fat-free mass (FFM) and percent body fat (%BF) at discharge and four months corrected age for prematurity (CA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Markers of illness and macronutrient intakes (protein and caloric) were recorded. Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (BSID) were administered at 12 and 24 months of age in a subset of these infants (n = 66 and n = 50 respectively). Body composition z-scores were calculated using recently developed reference curves. Linear regression was used to test the associations between clinical factors and body composition z-scores, as well as z-scores and BSID scores. Increased calories and protein received in the first week after birth and protein intake throughout hospitalization were associated with increased FFM z-scores at discharge, but not with %BF z-scores. After adjustment for both early acute and chronic illness, associations of nutrient intake with FFM z-score remained unchanged. FFM z-scores at discharge were positively associated with scores on the BSID at 12 and 24 months CA. In conclusion, increased energy and protein intakes both early in hospitalization and across its entire duration are associated with higher FFM at discharge, a key marker for organ growth and neurodevelopment in the VLBW neonate. Optimizing caloric intake, irrespective of illness is critical for enhancing body composition, and by extension, neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Preterm Nutrition)

15 pages, 917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasma Oxidative Status in Preterm Infants Receiving LCPUFA Supplementation: A Pilot Study

by David Ramiro-Cortijo, Ángel Luis López de Pablo, Mᵃ Rosario López-Giménez, Camilia R. Martin, Joanne Brown, Miguel Saenz de Pipaón and Silvia M. Arribas

Nutrients 2020, 12(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010122 - 01 Jan 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2744

Abstract

After birth, preterm infants are deficient in arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and antioxidants, increasing their risk of oxidative stress-related pathologies. The principal aim was to evaluate if supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) improves antioxidant defenses. In total, 21 preterm [...] Read more.

After birth, preterm infants are deficient in arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and antioxidants, increasing their risk of oxidative stress-related pathologies. The principal aim was to evaluate if supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) improves antioxidant defenses. In total, 21 preterm infants were supplemented with ARA and DHA in a 2:1 ratio (ARA:DHA-S) or with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT-S). Plasma n-3 and n-6 LCPUFAs were measured at birth, postnatal day 28, and 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (36 WPA) by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. Plasma antioxidants (glutathione (GSH), catalase, and thiols) and oxidative damage biomarkers (malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyls) were analyzed at the same time points by spectrophotometry, and scores of antioxidant status (Antiox-S) and oxidative damage (Proxy-S) were calculated. At 36 WPA, linoleic acid (LA) and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) were decreased in ARA:DHA-S compared to the MCT-S group (LA: ARA:DHA-S = 18.54 ± 1.68, MCT-S = 22.80 ± 1.41; p = 0.018; DGLA: ARA:DHA-S = 1.68 ± 0.38, MCT-S = 2.32 ± 0.58; p = 0.018). Furthermore, α-linolenic acid (ALA) was increased in ARA:DHA-S (ARA:DHA-S = 0.52 ± 0.33, MCT-S = 0.22 ± 0.10; p = 0.018). Additionally, LA:DHA ratio was decreased in the ARA:DHA-S compared to control group (ARA:DHA-S = 6.26 ± 2.35, MCT-S = 8.21 ± 2.65; p = 0.045). By the end of supplementation (36 WPA), catalase, thiol groups, and Antiox-S were significantly higher in neonates receiving ARA:DHA-S compared to those receiving MCT-S, with no differences in oxidative stress biomarkers. In conclusion, ARA:DHA supplementation in preterm neonates resulted in an overall improvement in antioxidant to oxidant balance and a decrease in early fatty acid precursors of the n-6 relative to the n-3 pathway. These effects may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Preterm Nutrition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Faster Gastric Emptying Is Unrelated to Feeding Success in Preterm Infants: Randomized Controlled Trial

by Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre, Antonio Di Mauro, Osvaldo Montagna, Margherita Fanelli, Manuela Capozza, Jennifer L. Wampler, Timothy Cooper and Nicola Laforgia

Nutrients 2019, 11(7), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11071670 - 21 Jul 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5092

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between gastric emptying (GE) time and days to achievement of full enteral feeding (≥140 mL/kg/day) in preterm infants randomly assigned to receive one of two marketed study formulas for the first 14 feeding days: intact protein premature formula [...] Read more.

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between gastric emptying (GE) time and days to achievement of full enteral feeding (≥140 mL/kg/day) in preterm infants randomly assigned to receive one of two marketed study formulas for the first 14 feeding days: intact protein premature formula (IPF) or extensively hydrolyzed protein (EHF) formula. Methods: In this triple-blind, controlled, prospective, clinical trial, we report GE time (time to half-emptying, t_1/2) by real-time ultrasonography on Study Day 14, in preterm infants receiving IPF or EHF formula. The association between GE time and achievement of full enteral feeding was evaluated by Pearson correlation. Per-protocol populations for analysis included participants who (1) completed the study (overall) and (2) who received ≥ 75% study formula intake (mL/kg/day). Results: Median GE time at Day 14 was significantly faster for the EHF vs. IPF group overall and in participants who received ≥ 75% study formula intake (p ≤ 0.018). However, we demonstrated GE time had no correlation with the achievement of full enteral feeding (r = 0.08; p = 0.547). Conclusion: Feeding IP premature formula vs. EH formula was associated with shorter time to full enteral feeding. However, faster GE time did not predict feeding success and may not be a clinically relevant surrogate for assessing feeding tolerance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Preterm Nutrition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 781 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Growth, Feeding Tolerance and Metabolism in Extreme Preterm Infants under an Exclusive Human Milk Diet

by Fabian Eibensteiner, Lorenz Auer-Hackenberg, Bernd Jilma, Margarita Thanhaeuser, Martin Wald and Nadja Haiden

Nutrients 2019, 11(7), 1443; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11071443 - 26 Jun 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4298

Abstract

Background: For preterm infants, human milk (HM) has to be fortified to cover their enhanced nutritional requirements and establish adequate growth. Most HM fortifiers are based on bovine protein sources (BMF). An HM fortifier based on human protein sources (HMF) has become available [...] Read more.

Background: For preterm infants, human milk (HM) has to be fortified to cover their enhanced nutritional requirements and establish adequate growth. Most HM fortifiers are based on bovine protein sources (BMF). An HM fortifier based on human protein sources (HMF) has become available in the last few years. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of an HMF versus BMF on growth in extremely low birth weight (ELBW, <1000 g) infants. Methods: This was a retrospective, controlled, multicenter cohort study in infants with a birthweight below 1000 g. The HMF group received an exclusive HM diet up to 32+0 weeks of gestation and was changed to BMF afterwards. The BMF group received HM+BMF from fortifier introduction up to 37+0 weeks. Results: 192 extremely low birth weight (ELBW)-infants were included (HMF n = 96, BMF n = 96) in the study. After the introduction of fortification, growth velocity up to 32+0 weeks was significantly lower in the HMF group (16.5 g/kg/day) in comparison to the BMF group (18.9 g/kg/day, p = 0.009) whereas all other growth parameters did not differ from birth up to 37+0 weeks. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) incidence was 10% in the HMF and 8% in the BMF group. Conclusion: Results from this study do not support the superiority of HFM over BMF in ELBW infants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Preterm Nutrition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Dysbiosis and Prematurity: Is There a Role for Probiotics?

by Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre, Antonio Di Mauro, Manuela Capozza, Valentina Rizzo, Federico Schettini, Raffaella Panza and Nicola Laforgia

Nutrients 2019, 11(6), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11061273 - 05 Jun 2019

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5737

Abstract

Healthy microbiota is a critical mediator in maintaining health and it is supposed that dysbiosis could have a role in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases. Evidence supports the hypothesis that maternal dysbiosis could act as a trigger for preterm birth; aberrant [...] Read more.

Healthy microbiota is a critical mediator in maintaining health and it is supposed that dysbiosis could have a role in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases. Evidence supports the hypothesis that maternal dysbiosis could act as a trigger for preterm birth; aberrant colonization of preterm infant gut might have a role in feeding intolerance and pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis. Despite several clinical trials and meta-analyses, it is still not clear if modulation of maternal and neonatal microbiota with probiotic supplementation decreases the risk of preterm birth and its complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Preterm Nutrition)

16 pages, 1549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Preterm Rat Model for Immunonutritional Studies

by Blanca Grases-Pintó, Paulina Torres-Castro, Mar Abril-Gil, Margarida Castell, María J. Rodríguez-Lagunas, Francisco J. Pérez-Cano and Àngels Franch

Nutrients 2019, 11(5), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11050999 - 01 May 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3581

Abstract

Neonates are born with an immature immune system, which develops during the first stages of life. This early immaturity is more acute in preterm newborns. The aim of the present study was to set up a preterm rat model, in which representative biomarkers [...] Read more.

Neonates are born with an immature immune system, which develops during the first stages of life. This early immaturity is more acute in preterm newborns. The aim of the present study was to set up a preterm rat model, in which representative biomarkers of innate and adaptive immunity maturation that could be promoted by certain dietary interventions are established. Throughout the study, the body weight was registered. To evaluate the functionality of the intestinal epithelial barrier, in vivo permeability to dextrans was measured and a histomorphometric study was performed. Furthermore, the blood cell count, phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes and plasmatic immunoglobulins (Ig) were determined. Preterm rats showed lower erythrocyte and platelet concentration but a higher count of leukocytes than the term rats. Although there were no changes in the granulocytes’ ability to phagocytize, preterm monocytes had lower phagocytic activity. Moreover, lower plasma IgG and IgM concentrations were detected in preterm rats compared to full-term rats, without affecting IgA. Finally, the intestinal study revealed lower permeability in preterm rats and reduced goblet cell size. Here, we characterized a premature rat model, with differential immune system biomarkers, as a useful tool for immunonutritional studies aimed at boosting the development of the immune system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Preterm Nutrition)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

18 pages, 354 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutritional Assessment in Preterm Infants: A Practical Approach in the NICU

by Luis Pereira-da-Silva, Daniel Virella and Christoph Fusch

Nutrients 2019, 11(9), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11091999 - 23 Aug 2019

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 9896

Abstract

A practical approach for nutritional assessment in preterm infants under intensive care, based on anthropometric measurements and commonly used biochemical markers, is suggested. The choice of anthropometric charts depends on the purpose: Fenton 2013 charts to assess intrauterine growth, an online growth calculator [...] Read more.

A practical approach for nutritional assessment in preterm infants under intensive care, based on anthropometric measurements and commonly used biochemical markers, is suggested. The choice of anthropometric charts depends on the purpose: Fenton 2013 charts to assess intrauterine growth, an online growth calculator to monitor intra-hospital weight gain, and Intergrowth-21st standards to monitor growth after discharge. Body weight, though largely used, does not inform on body compartment sizes. Mid-upper arm circumference estimates body adiposity and is easy to measure. Body length reflects skeletal growth and fat-free mass, provided it is accurately measured. Head circumference indicates brain growth. Skinfolds estimate reasonably body fat. Weight-to-length ratio, body mass index, and ponderal index can assess body proportionality at birth. These and other derived indices, such as the mid-upper arm circumference to head circumference ratio, could be proxies of body composition but need validation. Low blood urea nitrogen may indicate insufficient protein intake. Prealbumin and retinol binding protein are good markers of current protein status, but they may be affected by non-nutritional factors. The combination of a high serum alkaline phosphatase level and a low serum phosphate level is the best biochemical marker for the early detection of metabolic bone disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Preterm Nutrition)

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

New Insights in Preterm Nutrition

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (9 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI