Early iron supplementation in very low birth weight infants – a randomized controlled trial

Aim: To evaluate if supplementing iron at 2 weeks of age improves serum ferritin and/or haematological parameters at 2 months of life in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
Methods: Preterm VLBW infants who received at least 100 mL/kg/day of oral feeds by day 14 of life were randomized to either 'early iron' (3–4 mg/kg/day orally from 2 weeks) or 'control' (no iron until 60 days) groups. Infants were followed up fortnightly and all morbidities were prospectively recorded. Serum ferritin was measured at 60 days by enzyme immunoassay method.
Results: Forty-six infants were included in the study; primary outcome was available for 42 infants. There was no difference in either serum ferritin (mean: 50.8 vs. 45.3 μg/L; adjusted difference in means: 5.8, 95% CI: −3.0, 14.6; p = 0.19) or haematocrit (32.5 ± 5.3 vs. 30.8 ± 6.3%; p = 0.35) at 60 days between the early iron and control groups. The magnitude of fall in serum ferritin from baseline to the end of study period was also not different between the groups (4.9 vs. 13.8 μg/L; difference in means: 8.8; 95% CI: −0.3, 17.9; p = 0.06). The requirement of blood transfusions (9.5 vs. 13%; p = 0.63) and a composite outcome of common neonatal morbidities (19% vs. 21.7%; p = 0.55) were also not different between the two groups.
Conclusion: Supplementing iron at 2 weeks of age in preterm VLBW infants did not improve either serum ferritin or the haematological parameters at 2 months when compared to the standard practice of starting iron from 8 weeks of age.     

A randomized controlled trial of enteral glutamine supplementation in very low birth weight infants: plasma amino acid concentrations

OBJECTIVE: Glutamine depletion has negative effects on the functional integrity of the gut and leads to immunosuppression. Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are susceptible to glutamine depletion, as enteral nutrition is limited in the first weeks of life. Enteral glutamine supplementation may have a positive effect on feeding tolerance, infectious morbidity and short-term outcome. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of enteral glutamine supplementation on plasma amino acid concentrations, reflecting one aspect of safety of enteral glutamine supplementation in VLBW infants. METHODS: In a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial, VLBW infants (gestational age <32 weeks or birth weight <1500 g) received enteral glutamine supplementation (0.3 g/kg per day) or isonitrogenous placebo supplementation (alanine) between day 3 and day 30 of life. Supplementation was added to breast milk or to preterm formula. Plasma amino acid concentrations were measured at four time points: before the start of the study and at days 7, 14 and 30 of life. RESULTS: Baseline patient and nutritional characteristics were not different in glutamine (n = 52) and control (n = 50) groups. Plasma concentrations of most essential and non-essential amino acids increased throughout the study period. There was no effect of enteral glutamine supplementation. In particular, the increase of plasma glutamine and glutamate concentrations was not different between the treatment groups (P = 0.49 and P = 0.34 respectively, day 30). CONCLUSIONS: Enteral glutamine supplementation in VLBW infants does not alter plasma concentrations of glutamine, glutamate or other amino acids. Enteral supplementation in a dose of 0.3 g/kg per day seems safe in VLBW infants.     

Kangaroo mother care for low birth weight infants: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of Kangaroo mother care (KMC) and conventional methods of care (CMC) on growth in LBW babies (> 2000 g). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Level III NICU of a teaching institution in western India. SUBJECTS: 206 neonates with birth weight < 2000 g. INTERVENTION: The subjects were randomized into two groups: the intervention group (KMC-103) received Kangaroo mother care. The control group (CMC: 103) received conventional care. OUTCOME MEASURES: Growth, as measured by average daily weight gain and by other anthropometrical parameters at 40 weeks postmenstrual age in preterm babies and at 2500 g in term SGA infants was assessed. RESULTS: The KMC babies had better average weight gain per day (KMC: 23.99 g vs CMC: 15.58 g, P< 0.0001). The weekly increments in head circumference (KMC: 0.75 cm vs CMC: 0.49 cm, P = 0.02) and length (KMC: 0.99 cm vs CMC: 0.7 cm, P = 0.008) were higher in the KMC group. A significantly higher number of babies in the CMC group suffered from hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and sepsis. There was no effect on time to discharge. More KMC babies were exclusively breastfed at the end of the study (98% vs 76%). KMC was acceptable to most mothers and families at home. CONCLUSION: Kangaroo mother care improves growth and reduces morbidities in low birth weight infants. It is simple, acceptable to mothers and can be continued at home.     

Reply to correspondence letter: Oral vitamin A supplementation in very low birth weight neonates: a randomized controlled trial

European Journal of Pediatrics -     

Neonatal auditory brainstem response failure of very low birth weight infants: 8-year outcome.

Fifty-six very low birth weight infants (less than 1.5 kg) were followed until 8 y of age to see if predischarge auditory brainstem response (ABR) results were predictive of neurobehavioral development. The results suggest that early ABR may predict subsequent performance on measures of intelligence quotient, language, and reading. Unilateral ABR abnormalities did not appear predictive, but bilateral abnormalities did. Analysis of a variety of neonatal risk factors in conjunction with early ABR and hearing loss with respect to educational outcome was also undertaken.     

The influence of fish-oil lipid emulsions on retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants: A randomized controlled trial

Objective

To compare the effect of two lipid emulsions on the development of retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants.

Design

Randomized controlled study.

Patients and methods

Eighty very low birth weight infants receiving parenteral nutrition from the first day of life were evaluated. One of the two lipid emulsions were used in the study infants: Group 1 (n = 40) received fish-oil based lipid emulsion (SmofLipid®) and Group 2 (n = 40) soybean oil based lipid emulsion (Intralipid®).

Main outcome measures

The development of retinopathy of prematurity and the need for laser photocoagulation were assessed.

Results

The maternal and perinatal characteristics were similar in both groups. The median (range) duration of parenteral nutrition [14 days (10–28) vs 14 (10–21)] and hospitalization [34 days (20–64) vs 34 (21–53)] did not differ between the groups. Laboratory data including complete blood count, triglyceride level, liver and kidney function tests recorded before and after parenteral nutrition also did not differ between the two groups. In Group 1, two patients (5.0%) and in Group 2, 13 patients (32.5%) were diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (OR: 9.1, 95% CI 1.9–43.8, p = 0.004). One patient in each group needed laser photocoagulation, without significant difference. Multivariate analysis showed that only receiving fish-oil emulsion in parenteral nutrition decreased the risk of development of retinopathy of prematurity [OR: 0.76, 95% CI (0.06-0.911), p = 0.04].

Conclusions

Premature infants with very low birth weight receiving an intravenous fat emulsion containing fish oil developed less retinopathy of prematurity.     

A randomized trial of two levels of iron supplementation and developmental outcome in low birth weight infants

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of increased iron intakes on hematologic status and cognition in low birth weight infants. STUDY DESIGN: We randomly assigned 58 infants to receive formula with 13.4 mg iron/L (normal iron) or 20.7 mg iron/L (high iron). At baseline, discharge, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months' corrected age, we assessed anthropometry; infections; red blood cell hemoglobin, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, red blood cell fragility (hydrogen peroxide test), and superoxide dismutase values; plasma malondialdehyde, ferritin, iron, transferrin, zinc and copper levels; and diet intake. Griffiths' Development Assessment was done at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months only. RESULTS: No statistical differences (P <.05) were noted for weight, catalase or malondialdehyde levels, red blood cell fragility, or Griffith's Development Assessment. Iron intakes were greater in the high iron group except at 12 months. Hemoglobin (high iron, 123 +/- 9; normal iron, 118 +/- 8) was not different at 3 months (P =.07). Plasma zinc levels (high iron, 70 +/- 14; normal iron, 89 +/- 27) and copper levels (high iron, 115 +/- 26; normal iron, 132 +/- 27; P =.06) at 12 months suggested inhibition of absorption by high iron formula. Glutathione peroxidase levels were higher in the high iron group. The total number of respiratory tract infections was greater in the high iron group (3.3 +/- 0.9) than in the normal iron group (2.5 +/- 0.9). CONCLUSION: In terms of cognitive outcome, there is no advantage associated with elevated iron intake for low birth weight infants.     

Aggressive parenteral nutrition in sick very low birth weight babies: A randomized controlled trial

Survival of preterm neonates in developing world has improved. Developing countries lag behind in nutritional management in NICU especially parenteral nutrition (PN). This randomized controlled trial was done to evaluate the effect of aggressive parenteral nutrition on nitrogen retention of sick VLBW and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) babies. From September 2009 to February 2010, total 34 babies were randomized to receive aggressive parenteral nutrition (APN) (n=17) or standard parenteral nutrition (SPN) (n=17). The average daily total and PN calory intake of babies in APN group was significantly higher during first week. APN was well-tolerated; however, nitrogen retention was not significantly higher in APN group. Aggressive parenteral nutrition in sick VLBW babies is feasible in developing world, though it did not improve nitrogen retention in first week of life.     

Effect of zinc supplementation on growth in very low birth weight infants

This was a randomized blinded placebo controlled trial undertaken to study the role of zinc supplementation on growth, primarily the linear growth velocity in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants at 3 months corrected age (CA). Out of 134 neonates with birth weight <1500?g, 101 babies were eligible. Due to lack of consent 10 were excluded. The remaining 91 neonates who were comparable for sex, gestational age, birth weight, APGAR and age at enrollment were randomized to receive either 1?ml of zinc sulfate (10?mg elemental zinc) (n?=?46) or 1?ml placebo (n?=?45) from enrollment to 60 days. The infants in the zinc group had significantly higher linear growth velocity (0.98?±?0.12?cm?week(-1)) compared to a placebo group (0.67?±?0.15?cm?week(-1)) (p?相似文献   

Slow versus fast enteral feed advancement in very low birth weight infants: a randomized control trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the tolerance of rapid advancement of enteral feeds in VLBW babies. SETTING: Tertiary teaching hospital. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: All stable neonates with birth weight less than 1250 grams were included in the study. The primary outcome variable was the time taken to achieve full enteral feeds (defined as 180 ml/kg/day). The secondary outcome variables were incidence of Necrotizing enterocolitis (NNEC) and incidence of apnea. At 48 hours, the infants were randomized into the slow advancement group (enteral feeds advanced by increments of 15 ml/kg/day) or fast advancement group (enteral feeds advanced by increments of 30 ml/kg/day). The monitoring during feeding included daily weight record, two hourly abdominal girth charting, gastric aspirates, apnea, time taken to reach full enteral feedings and for NNEC. RESULTS: There were 53 infants who were enrolled for the study (27 in the fast advancement group and 26 in the slow advancement group). In the fast advancement group, 20 percent completed the trial; whereas 14 (53.8 percent;) in the slow advancement group completed the study. The two groups were comparable for birth weights, gestational age, sex, intrauterine growth status, Apgar and CRIB scores. The infants in the fast group reached full enteral intake of 180 ml/kg/day significantly earlier (10 +/- 1.8 days) than in the slow group (14.8 +/- 1.5 days). The two groups were comparable for episodes of feed intolerance, apnea, NNEC. Infants in the fast group regained birth weight significantly earlier (median 18 days) than in the slow advancement group (median 23 days). CONCLUSIONS: Stable VLBW neonates can tolerate rapid advancements of enteral feeding without increased risk of adverse effects.     

Developmental outcome of very low birth weight infants in a developing country

Background  

Advances in neonatal care allow survival of extremely premature infants, who are at risk of handicap. Neurodevelopmental follow up of these infants is an essential part of ongoing evaluation of neonatal care. The neonatal care in resource limited developing countries is very different to that in first world settings. Follow up data from developing countries is essential; it is not appropriate to extrapolate data from units in developed countries. This study provides follow up data on a population of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in Johannesburg, South Africa.     

A randomised controlled trial of delayed cord clamping in very low birth weight preterm infants

This study was carried out to assess the feasibility of late cord clamping of 45 s in preterm infants delivered mainly by caesarean section and the effects on post-partal adaptation and anaemia of prematurity. Prior to delivery, 40 infants of <33 gestational weeks were randomised to either 20 s or 45 s of late cord clamping. After the first shoulder was delivered, oxytocin was given intravenously to the mother in order to enhance placento-fetal transfusion while the infant was held below the level of the placenta. The 20 infants in group 1 (20 s) had a mean birth weight of 1070 g and a mean gestational age of 29 + 4/7 weeks versus 1190 g and 30 weeks in group 2 (45 s). On day 42 of life there were ten infants without transfusions in group 2 versus three in group 1 (P < 0.05). Out of the 20 infants in group 1, 19 and 15/19 in group 2 were delivered by caesarean section. There were no significant differences in Apgar scores, temperature on admission, heart rate, blood pressure and requirements for artificial ventilation. Conclusion Delayed cord clamping of 45 s is feasible and safe in preterm infants below 33 weeks of gestation. It is possible to perform the procedure at caesarean section deliveries and it should be performed whenever possible. It reduces the need for packed red cell transfusions during the first 6 weeks of life. Received: 10 February 2000 / Accepted: 12 April 2000     

Hyperkalemia in very low birth weight infants.

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency and pathogenesis of hyperkalemia in the very low birth weight infant. METHODS: Infants who weighed less than 1000 gm at birth were prospectively entered into the study within 12 hours of birth. Potential risk factors for hyperkalemia were assessed. Body weight, fluid and electrolyte balance, serum levels of sodium and potassium, creatinine clearance, fractional sodium excretion, and urine sodium/potassium ratio were measured every 8 hours for 72 hours. Measurements of plasma renin, serum aldosterone, and plasma atrial natriuretic factor were made at study entry and repeated when hyperkalemia (serum potassium greater than 6.5 mmol/L) occurred or at 72 hours. Infants in whom hyperkalemia developed were compared with those in whom it did not. RESULTS: Thirty-one infants completed the study; hyperkalemia developed in 16 (51.6%). The only difference in the occurrence of perinatal complications was the more frequent occurrence of pH less than 7.20 in infants with subsequent development of hyperkalemia. Creatinine clearance, urine output, and potassium excretion were significantly lower in the hyperkalemia group during the first 24 hours. Serum potassium concentration at 24 hours was inversely related to urine output in the prior 24 hours. Fractional sodium excretion, urine sodium/potassium ratio, and levels of renin, aldosterone, and atrial natriuretic factor did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperkalemia is a frequent complication in very low birth weight infants. Infants with low urinary flow rates during the first few hours after birth are at greatest risk for the development of hyperkalemia.     

早期微量喂养改善极低出生体重儿宫外生长与预后的半随机对照试验

目的观察早期微量喂养对极低出生体重儿(VLBWI)生后6周宫外生长与预后的影响。方法选择2007年1月至2009年1月无锡市儿童医院与南京医科大学附属南京儿童医院NICU收治的出生体重(1500g且需要辅助通气和静脉营养的VLBWI为研究对象,根据单双病床号分为早期微量喂养组和对照组。早期微量喂养组:在静脉营养的同时从生后第3天开始经鼻饲管给予早产儿配方乳0.5～1mL.h-1,直至辅助通气结束;对照组:仅予静脉营养直至辅助通气结束。监测生后6周内的能量摄入、生长状况、脓毒症(血培养阳性)发生率、肝功能、喂养耐受情况、辅助通气时间、住院时间和喂养相关并发症的发生率。结果早期微量喂养组18例,对照组22例进入分析。早期微量喂养组入组时胎龄、出生体重和新生儿临床危险指数评分与对照组差异均无统计学意义。①早期微量喂养组生后6周内总能量摄入显著高于对照组,平均差异为261.1kJ.kg-1,P=0.03。②早期微量喂养组生后6周时点体重增长值显著高于对照组,两组差异为120g,P=0.02;头围增长值显著高于对照组,平均差异为0.6cm,P=0.04;中臂围两组差异为0.30cm,P=0.48;三头肌皮肤皱褶厚度两组差异为0.22mm,P=0.51。③两组生后6周内肝功能指标与黄疸持续时间差异无统计学意义;早期微量喂养组生后6周内脓毒症发生率显著低于对照组,P=0.03。④早期微量喂养组需要静脉营养的时间显著少于对照组,P=0.03;过渡到完全肠内营养的时间显著少于对照组,P=0.03。⑤早期微量喂养组需氧时间显著少于对照组,P=0.02;平均住院时间显著少于对照组,P=0.03。⑥两组生后6周内各种喂养相关并发症(腹胀、呕吐、坏死性小肠结肠炎和吸入性肺炎)的发生率差异无统计学意义。结论早期微量喂养可改善VLBWI生后6周宫外生长状况。     

极低出生体重儿黄疸

多数新生儿黄疸是一种早期新生儿的暂时现象.新生黄疸诊疗工作的中心是防止发生胆红素脑病.在新生儿Rh溶血症时随新生儿胆红素值大于342～427.5μmol/L(20～25mg/dl),发生胆红素脑病的机率增高.因而在足月儿中控制胆红素值小于342～427.5μmol/L成为足月新生儿黄疸的治疗方针.换言之,胆红素值342～427.5μmol/L被认为是足月新生儿胆红素脑病的阈值,也即换血标准.六十年代后发现极低体重儿胆红素小于342～427.5μmol/L(20～25mg/dl)也出现核黄疸.近年对极低出生体重儿胆红素代谢特点,极低出生体重儿核黄疸与胆红素值关系及极低出生体重儿黄疸治疗方针进行研究,增加不少新的认识.1 极低出生体重儿胆红素代谢特点[1]     

The outcome of very low birth weight infants: past,present and future

This article is an attempt to review the impact of neotnatal intensive care on mortality and child-hood morbidity of VLBW infants. The evidence suggests that in the last decade there has been a significant reduction in neonatal mortality, particularly of the very tiny infants. However, although the data on morbidity is more difficult to interpret, there does not seem to have been a parallel decline in the rate of neurological impairment in infants. The implication of this for the future is discussed.