Effect of early low-volume enteral substrate on subsequent feeding tolerance in very low birth weight infants

To determine the effect of small enteral feedings on small bowel function, 46 infants with birth weight less than 1500 g, selected on the basis of risk factors for feeding intolerance, were assigned randomly to one of two feeding groups. Group 1 received low-volume enteral feeds (12 ml/kg/day) in addition to parenteral alimentation for 10 days beginning on day 8 of life; group 2 received parenteral alimentation alone until day 18 of life. After this trial period feedings were increased by 15 ml/kg/day in all infants. Four infants (9%) developed necrotizing enterocolitis (one prior to any feeds, two in group 1, and one in group 2); two others were dropped from the study for reasons unrelated to feeding. The remaining 18 infants in group 1 had improved feeding tolerance compared with the 22 in group 2, as manifested by fewer days that gastric residuum totalled more than 10% of feedings (1.3 +/- 0.5 days vs 3.2 +/- 0.6 days, respectively, p less than 0.05) and fewer days that feedings were discontinued because of feeding intolerance (2.7 +/- 0.8 days vs 5.5 +/- 0.9 days, respectively, p less than 0.05). Consequently, 17 of 18 (94%) infants who had received the early low-volume enteral feedings achieved an enteral intake of 120 kcal/kg/day by 6 weeks of life, whereas only 14 of 22 (64%) infants in the delayed feeding group reached this intake (p less than 0.05). Peak total serum bilirubin concentrations were comparable in the two groups. The initiation of hypocaloric enteral substrate as an adjunct to parenteral nutrition improved subsequent feeding tolerance in sick infants with very low birth weight.     

影响极低出生体重儿体重增长的多因素分析

目的探讨影响极低出生体重儿(VLBW)体重增长的相关因素。方法对1998年7月—2004年3月重庆医科大学儿童医院新生儿病房收治的51例VLBW进行回顾性分析。结果单因素分析发现,早开奶、热卡摄入量和蛋白质摄入量对体重增长有显著性影响(P<0·05)。多元逐步回归分析结果示,热卡摄入量和蛋白质摄入量是影响体重增长的显著因素,回归方程为Y(体重增长)=-6·426+0·120X1(热卡摄入量)+3·737X2(蛋白质摄入量)(P<0·01)。达到体重增长目标对象中单纯胃肠内营养组和部分胃肠外营养组热卡摄入量分别为(520·62±21·59)kJ/(kg·d)[(124·43±5·16)kcal/(kg·d)]、(451·49±68·41)kJ/(kg·d)[(107·98±16·35)kcal/(kg·d)],差异有统计学意义(P<0·05)。早开奶组出生体重恢复时间、住院时间和胃肠外营养液体量占总液量比例>75%时间平均秩分别为18·58、20·24、20·11,晚开奶组分别为33·00、32·48、31·83,差异有统计学意义(P<0·05)。结论VLBW在生后应保证足量热卡和蛋白质的供给,对于小于胎龄儿和有严重并发症的患儿更应该加强营养的补充,对VLBW应尽早喂养,同时需要胃肠外营养作为肠内营养的补充。     

Weight gain in the first 2 months of life in neonates with a birth weight less than or equal to 1500 g. A comparison between parenteral nutrition and orogastric feeding]

This study was designed to verify the effectiveness of parenteral nutrition (NP) and continuous nasogastric feeding (AOG) in providing a good caloric intake and a good growth in the very low birth weight infants during the first 60 days of life. The study included 108 preterm babies with birth weight less than or equal to 1500 g: 26 received parenteral nutrition, 82 nasogastric feeding. Infants in NP showed a smaller postnatal weight loss and regained birth weight earlier than the AOG group. Caloric intake greater than 120 kcal/kg/die was achieved in 10.2 days of life in the NP group and in 14.1 days in the AOG group. Full enteral feeding was achieved later in the NP than in the AOG group (25.7 days vs 20.7 days). Weight gain at 60 days of life was better in the NP group (23.2 g/die vs 18.2 g/die), while there was no difference in the head circumference gain. The study shows the efficacy of NP in providing a good caloric intake in the very low birth weight infants in the first weeks of life.     

Randomised controlled trial of an aggressive nutritional regimen in sick very low birthweight infants

AIMS—To improve energy intake in sick very low birthweight (VLBW) infants; to decrease growth problems, lessen pulmonary morbidity, shorten hospital stay, and avoid possible feeding related morbidity. Morbidity in VLBW infants thought to be associated with parenteral and enteral feeding includes bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotising enterocolitis, septicaemia, cholestasis and osteopenia of prematurity.METHODS—A prospective randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing two types of nutritional intervention was performed involving 125 sick VLBW infants in the setting of a regional neonatal intensive care unit. Babies were randomly allocated to either an aggressive nutritional regimen (group A) or a control group (group B). Babies in group B received a conservative nutritional regimen while group A received a package of more aggressive parenteral and enteral nutrition. Statistical analysis was done using Student''s t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the χ² test and logistic regression.RESULTS—There was an excess of sicker babies in group A, as measured by initial disease severity (P <0.01), but mean total energy intakes were significantly higher (P <0.001) in group A at days 3 to 42 while receiving total or partial parenteral nutrition. Survival and the incidences of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, septicaemia, cholestasis, osteopenia and necrotising enterocolitis were similar in both groups. Growth in early life and at discharge from hospital was significantly better in babies in group A. There were no decreases in pulmonary morbidity or hospital stay.CONCLUSION—Nutritional intake in sick VLBW infants can be improved without increasing the risk of adverse clinical or metabolic sequelae. Improved nutritional intake resulted in better growth, both in the early neonatal period and at hospital discharge, but did not decrease pulmonary morbidity or shorten hospital stay.     

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.     

Plasma and urine riboflavin during riboflavin-free nutrition in very-low-birth-weight infants

BACKGROUND: Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW; birth weight <1500 g) infants receive enteral and parenteral nutriture that provides greater daily riboflavin (vitamin B2) than does term infant nutriture, and elevated plasma riboflavin develops in these infants after birth. The purpose of this study was to measure plasma and urine riboflavin concentrations in VLBW infants during riboflavin-free nutrition. Our hypothesis was that elevated plasma riboflavin develops in VLBW infants because of high daily intake and immature renal riboflavin elimination. METHODS: Eighteen clinically healthy VLBW infants received parenteral nutrition and preterm infant formula during the first postnatal month. On postnatal days 10 and 28, the infants received specially prepared riboflavin-free enteral and parenteral nutrition for the 24-hour study period. Serial collections of plasma were made at time 0 and at 12 and 24 hours. Urine was collected continuously for the 24-hour period in 4-hour aliquots. Samples were analyzed for riboflavin concentration. RESULTS: During the 24-hour riboflavin-free study period on postnatal day 10, plasma riboflavin decreased 56% from 185 +/- 37 ng/mL (mean +/- SEM), and urine riboflavin decreased 75% from 3112 +/- 960 mg/mL. Similarly, on postnatal day 28, plasma riboflavin decreased 79% from 184 +/- 32 ng/mL, and urine riboflavin concentration decreased 91% from 5092 +/- 743 ng/mL during the 24-hour riboflavin-free study period. Riboflavin half-life (t(1/2)) was 18.5 hours on postnatal day 10 and decreased 48% by postnatal day 28. Riboflavin elimination was 145.1 +/- 20.6 mg/kg per day on postnatal day 10 and increased 40% by postnatal day 28. CONCLUSION: The VLBW infants who received parenteral nutrition and preterm infant formula had elevated plasma riboflavin on postnatal days 10 and 28. Plasma riboflavin t(1,2) was shorter and renal riboflavin elimination was greater on postnatal day 28 than on postnatal day 10. Plasma riboflavin was normal after 24 hours of riboflavin-free nutrition. The pattern of plasma and urine riboflavin in VLBW infants suggests a lower daily intake would maintain plasma riboflavin close to normal.     

Effect of two different doses of parenteral amino acid supplementation on postnatal growth of very low birth weight neonates — A randomized controlled trial

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of two different doses of parenteral aminoacid supplementation on postnatal growth in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants receiving partial parenteral nutrition (PPN).

Design

Double blinded randomized controlled trial.

Settings

Level 3 NICU between February 2008 to February 2010.

Participants

150 inborn babies with birthweight between 900–1250 g, irrespective of gestational age, were randomized to either of the two interventions of amino acid supplementation.

Intervention

Two different initial doses of parenteral amino acids (AA) in the PPN solutions- Low AA group: 1 g/kg/d versus High AA group: 3 g/kg/d from day 1 of life with increment by 1 g/kg every day till a maximum of 4 g/kg/d, until babies tolerated 75% enteral feeds.

Main outcome

Average postnatal weight gain (in g/kg/d)) by 28 days of life.

Results

Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. The gain in weight, length and head circumference at 28 days were significantly lower in the High AA group. The average weight gain at 28 days was 8.67g/kg/d in the High AA group and 13.15g/kg/d in the Low AA group (mean difference 123.12, 95% CI 46.67 to 199.37, P<0.001). The incidences of neonatal morbidities associated with prematurity were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

Higher initial parenteral aminoacid supplementation, in settings where partial parenteral nutrition is administered, results in poor growth in VLBW infants due to inadequate non-protein calorie intake.     

Stool water loss in very-low-birth-weight neonates

Fluid requirements in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants include compensation for renal, insensible (skin and lung), and stool losses and provision for fluid retained for growth. Current estimates of stool water losses in VLBW infants are based on measurements established in term neonates. Therefore, the water content of 24-hour stool collections were determined in 11 healthy VLBW male infants on full enteral feeds and compared to the working norms. The neonates in this study were less than 2 weeks old with a mean +/- SD birth weight and gestational age of 1,311 +/- 112 g and 30.8 +/- 1.5 weeks, respectively. They were receiving only enteral formula feedings of 100 ml/kg/day or more with no parenteral fluid supplementation. The mean +/- SD number of stools and water content of the stools was 2.7 +/- 2.0/day and 7.2 +/- 4.0 ml/kg/day, respectively. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.696, p less than 0.02) between gestational age at birth and number of stools per day, but the correlation between stool water loss per day, gestational age, volume of feedings per day, and birthweight was not significant. Based on this study, 7 ml/kg/day is a reasonable estimate of daily stool water loss in VLBW babies.     

Early feeding advancement in very low-birth-weight infants with intrauterine growth retardation and increased umbilical artery resistance

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether intrauterine growth retardation (birth weight <10th percentile), increased umbilical artery resistance (resistance index >90th percentile measured by Doppler velocimetry), or brain sparing (increased umbilical artery resistance and decreased middle cerebral artery resistance index <5th percentile) were associated with early feeding intolerance in very low-birth-weight (VLBW, <1,500 g) infants. METHODS: From July 1999 to December 2000, 124 inborn VLBW infants were enrolled in a prospective trial evaluating early enteral nutrition after a standardized feeding protocol (daily feeding advancement, 16 mL/kg birth weight). Feeding tolerance was assessed as the age at which full enteral feeds (150 mL/kg daily) were achieved. Data are shown as median, 25th, and 75th percentiles. RESULTS: Full enteral feeds were achieved at 15 days (range, 12-21 days) of age for all infants. Intrauterine growth retardation (full enteral feeding achieved at 14 days; range, 12-21 days), increased umbilical artery resistance (full enteral feeding achieved at 14 days; range, 11-16 days), and brain sparing (full enteral feeding achieved at 15 days; range, 14-20 days) were not associated with early feeding intolerance. CONCLUSION: Very low-birth-weight infants with intrauterine growth retardation, increased umbilical artery resistance, and brain sparing tolerated enteral feeding as well as appropriate-for-gestational-age VLBW infants.     

Randomised controlled study of clinical outcome following trophic feeding

AIMS: To determine the effect of trophic feeding on clinical outcome in ill preterm infants. METHODS: A randomised, controlled, prospective study of 100 preterm infants, weighing less than 1750 g at birth and requiring ventilatory support and parenteral nutrition, was performed. Group TF (48 infants) received trophic feeding from day 3 (0.5-1 ml/h) along with parenteral nutrition until ventilatory support finished. Group C (52 infants) received parenteral nutrition alone. "Nutritive" milk feeding was then introduced to both groups. Clinical outcomes measured included total energy intake and growth over the first six postnatal weeks, sepsis incidence, liver function, milk tolerance, duration of respiratory support, duration of hospital stay and complication incidence. RESULTS: Groups were well matched for birthweight, gestation and CRIB scores. Infants in group TF had significantly greater energy intake, mean difference 41.4 (95% confidence interval 9, 73.7) kcal/kg p=0.02; weight gain, 130 (CI 1, 250) g p = 0.02; head circumference gain, mean difference 0.7 (CI 0.1, 1.3) cm, p = 0.04; fewer episodes of culture confirmed sepsis, mean difference -0.7 (-1.3, -0.2) episodes, p = 0.04; less parenteral nutrition, mean difference -11.5 (CI -20, -3) days, p = 0. 03; tolerated full milk feeds (165 ml/kg/day) earlier, mean difference -11.2 (CI -19, -3) days, p = 0.03; reduced requirement for supplemental oxygen, mean difference -22.4 (CI-41.5, -3.3) days, p = 0.02; and were discharged home earlier, mean difference -22.1 (CI -42.1, -2.2) days, p = 0.04. There was no significant difference in the relative risk of any complication. CONCLUSIONS: Trophic feeding improves clinical outcome in ill preterm infants requiring parenteral nutrition.     

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.     

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.     

Early enteral feeding does not affect the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis

To begin to determine the optimal time for initiating enteral feedings, 34 sick, very low birth weight infants were prospectively selected from all neonates of less than 1,500 g (N = 116) and randomly divided into two groups. Infants were fed either on day 1 (early) or 7 (late) of life, according to a feeding protocol which included parenteral nutrition and a scheduled progression from sterile water to 2.5% dextrose, half-strength, and finally full-strength formula over seven days. The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and subsequent hospital course were compared. Initiating enteral feedings on day 1 did not significantly increase the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, produce a clustering of cases, or induce an earlier onset of necrotizing enterocolitis. The overall incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in sick, very low birth weight neonates was 29% (5/17) and 35% (6/17) in the early and late groups, respectively, compared with 4.2% (2/47) in minimally sick, very low birth weight neonates. No significant differences between groups were seen in obstetrical complications, birth weight, gestational age, Apgar scores, presence of patent ductus arteriosus or intraventricular hemorrhage, use of umbilical catheterization, and respiratory or oxygen requirements. Infants fed enterally from day 1 did show a significantly higher energy and protein intake during the second week of life. These data show that providing dilute, early enteral calories does not adversely affect the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis.     

Audit of feeding practices in babies<1200 g or 30 weeks gestation during the first month of life

AIM: In 2002, the composition of the breast milk fortifier used in our hospital changed, giving increased protein and energy. We therefore decided to prospectively audit nutritional management in our unit and to compare nutritional intake and growth in our babies with published data. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected over a 3-month period on infants<1200 g or 30 weeks gestation. Prescribed and delivered volumes of all parenteral and enteral fluids were recorded. Babies were weighed as per unit protocol. RESULTS: Thirty-four infants met the audit criteria. Data are median (range). After the first week of life, energy and protein intakes were 147 (78-174) kcal/kg/day and 3.9 (2.1-4.8) g/kg/day respectively. Daily weight gain was 17 (-3.2-35.4) g/kg and was significantly associated with both energy and protein intakes (P<0.001). However, standard deviation scores for weight fell from 0.15 (-1.9-2.0) at birth to -1.0 (-2.9-0.8) by 36 weeks corrected age. Time to commencing enteral feeds was 1 (1-3) day and to full enteral feeds was 8 (5-28) days. One infant was diagnosed with necrotising enterocolitis and eight with chronic lung disease. Mean protein intake was significantly lower in babies with chronic lung disease (P=0.005). CONCLUSION: Overall, nutritional intakes and weight gain in this cohort of babies lie within the recommended ranges, although protein intakes in the smallest babies are at the lower end of the range. Enteral feeds are introduced early and advanced rapidly, but we have a low incidence of necrotising enterocolitis. However, babies still fell across weight centiles, suggesting that actual intakes for these tiny babies may be inadequate.     

Iodine deficiency associated with parenteral nutrition in extreme preterm infants

Infants are in negative iodine balance on current standard regimens of total parenteral nutrition, with a mean iodine intake of 3 micro g/kg/day (150 ml/kg/day). The recommended enteral intake of iodine for preterm infants is 30 micro g/kg/day. Gastrointestinal absorption of iodine is high, suggesting that parenteral intakes should approach enteral recommendations.     

Continuous nasogastric drip elemental feeding. Alternative for prolonged parenteral nutrition in severe prolonged diarrhea

Eighteen infants with severe prolonged diarrhea were fed successfully by continuous drip enteral feedings with an elemental diet. The mean weight gain was 6.4 +/- 0.7 g/kg/day, using a solution containing up to 87 kcal/dL at volumes up to 260 mL/kg/day. No cardiovascular or metabolic abnormalities occurred. Advantages of the continuous drip regimen were demonstrated by an adaptation phase with a plateau or even a decline in body weight in 12 patients, with weaning from continuous periodic feedings without changing the total caloric or volume intake. Continuous drip feeding provides an alternative for total parenteral nutrition in patients with severe prolonged diarrhea and intolerance to even an elemental diet given as periodic feedings.     

The fear of necrotizing enterocolitis versus achieving optimal growth in preterm infants--an opinion

Very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants suffer marked growth delay despite well-intentioned efforts at combining enteral and parenteral nutrition. Fear of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has traditionally influenced neonatologists toward delaying and progressing slowly with enteral feeding, while supporting the infant with parenteral nutrition. Current evidence suggests significant benefits of enteral feeding that is started early and advanced at rates of 20-35 ml/kg/d. Conclusion: We conclude that fear of inadequate growth should replace the fear of NEC in guiding nutritional strategies for these infants.     

Prealbumin as a biochemical marker of nutritional adequacy in premature infants

To determine whether serum prealbumin would be useful in identifying adequacy of protein and calorie intake in premature infants, 17 infants between 26 and 33 weeks gestational age were studied throughout hospitalization. Serial anthropometric measurements, nutritional intake, and serum prealbumin concentrations were correlated. When mean intake of calories and protein was lower than 100 kcal/kg/day and less than 2 gm/kg/day, respectively, there was a significant difference in mean prealbumin values, compared with those in infants with a higher intake (P much less than 0.001). For infants with birth weights of 1000 gm or less, prealbumin correlated with protein intake (r = 0.66) and calorie intake (r = 0.64). In these infants, when protein intake exceeded 2 gm/kg/day, prealbumin concentrations increased to values reported for full-term infants in the first months of life. There was no significant correlation between intake of calories or protein and prealbumin values for infants born weighing greater than 1000 gm. Anthropometric measurements did not correlate with protein or calorie intake. We conclude that prealbumin is a sensitive measure of protein and calorie intake in premature infants, and that the definition of adequate nutrition may be different for premature infants of different birth weights and at various postconceptional ages.     

Necrotising enterocolitis in the very low birthweight infant: expressed breast milk feeding compared with parenteral feeding.

The incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birthweight infants (VLBW less than or equal to 1500 g) was reduced by the delayed onset of enteral feeding. Eight (18%) out of 44 VLBW infants who were in hospital during the first year of the study developed NEC. During the next 12 months 85 similar infants were initially fed by parenteral nutrition only, and then from age 14-21 days with infant formula. During the second year only 3 (3%) patients developed NEC. There were no other relevant changes in management. Throughout the entire study, the onset of NEC in each infant in whom it occurred was after the start of enteral feeding. We recommend avoiding enteral feeding in VLBW infants during the period that they are particularly vulnerable--namely the first 2 or 3 weeks of life.     

Postnatal body weight curves for infants below 1000 g birth weight receiving early enteral and parenteral nutrition

No body weight curves are available for preterm infants <1000 g birth weight receiving early enteral and parenteral nutrition. Postnatal weight changes of 136 infants with a birth weight <1000 g were analysed retrospectively. Body weight curves for the first 30 days of life were generated for five separate birth weight groups (430–599 g, 600–699 g, 700–799 g, 800–899 g, 900–999 g). All infants had received intravenous glucose and amino acids from day 1 and intravenous lipids from day 2. Enteral feeding was started on day 1. Thus caloric intake (±SD) was advanced to 384 ± 46 kJ/kg per day (92 ± 11 kcal/kg/day) in the 1st week of life. In 136 preterm infants mean postnatal weight loss was 10.1% ± 4.6% of birth weight, birth weight was regained at a mean postnatal age of 11 ± 3.7 days, but significantly earlier (7.8 ± 3.5 days) in the lowest compared to the highest weight group. Mean subsequent weight gain was 15.7 ± 7.2 g/kg per day. This was accomplished by exclusive enteral nutrition from day 20 (median). Conclusion Our body weight curves are more adequate to evaluate growth of preterm infants than older published reference values because they are based on infants treated according to current nutritional standards. Received: 6 July 1997 and in revised form 5 October 1997 / Accepted: 15 October 1997