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.     

Early feeding strategies in preterm and critically ill neonates

This two-part article presents feeding strategies for the NICU population over the first several weeks of life. It focuses primarily on the theory and approach to feeding extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, but also addresses some issues pertinent to larger, ill infants. The premise for these recommendations is that avoiding early malnutrition in ELBW and ill infants has both short- and long-term benefits. Many practitioners may consider our approach to be somewhat aggressive. In this strategy, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is initiated in the first hours after birth and is given together with initially small, and then increasing, enteral feedings beginning on the first or second day of life. The role of the TPN is to provide rapid, maximal nutrition and that of the early enteral feedings is to "prime" the gut and stimulate normal gastrointestinal tract activity.     

前白蛋白在早产低出生体质量儿肠道外营养治疗中的意义

Objective To study the role of serum prealbumin in nutritional treatment of low birth weight premature infants of parenteral nutrition.Methods A total of 61 eases of low birth weight premature infants were divided into two groups: partial parenteral nutrition group(PPN group) and total parenteral nutrition group (TPN group). We detected the levels of serum prealbumin and albumin at the age of 20 hours and 7 days after birth of all infants respectively, at the same time,we observed the infants with body weight change and total caloric intake. Results Before the application of parenteral nutrition,the serum levels of prealbumin were(88.0 ± 9.1)mg/l in PPN group and (87.0± 8.7)mg/l in TPN group, and there were no significant difference between two groups(P > 0.05). Prealbumin levels of PPN group at the 7th day after birth were significantly higher than those of TPN group, which were (128.0 ± 10.8)mg/l in PPN group and (106.0 ± 10.9)mg/l in TPN group(t = 2.67, P < 0.05), and the serum levels of albumin between two groups were not significantly different.The body weight of PPN group was (1832 ± 185)g,close to or regain birth weight,and the body weight of TPN group was significantly lower than birth weight (t = 8.27, P < 0.01).The caloric intake of PPN group was significantly higher than that of TPN group (t = 2.81, P < 0.05) . Conclusion Prealbumin can better reflect the recent nutritional level than the albumin,and can act as the sensitive indicator for monitoring nutritional status of protein.     

Carnitine deficiency in premature infants receiving total parenteral nutrition

Carnitine plays a significant role in fatty acid utilization and ketone body production. Its availability is especially important during the immediate postnatal period. To determine whether low birth weight infants who cannot be orally fed are at risk of developing carnitine deficiency, we compared the carnitine blood levels and urinary excretion of 12 premature infants (Group A) receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with those of 8 infants of similar gestational age and birth weight (Group B) who received carnitinecontaining milk formulas.In Group A, serum levels of total and free carnitine fell after 5 days of carnitine-deficient parenteral nutrition, and urinary excretion was significantly reduced. Serum levels and urinary excretion increased after the onset of oral feedings. The control Group B exhibited no significant changes in carnitine blood levels between the first and fifth days of life, but did show a later increase. Children in Group A had lower carnitine blood levels compared to those in Group B on the fifth day of life.These findings suggest that premature infants are not able to synthesize enough carnitine to maintain blood levels, and that carnitine deficiency can occur following TPN. Further investigation of metabolic consequences secondary to deficient carnitine intake in premature infants is necessary before carnitine supplementation should be considered.     

极低出生体重儿早期喂养的临床观察

目的研究早期微量喂养对极低出生体重儿（VLBWI）的生长发育、胃肠功能成熟及生命体征的影响,为VLBWI的早期微量喂养提供依据。方法将2005年2月至2006年2月北京协和医院NICU住院的符合人选标准的29例VLBWI随机分为早喂组和晚喂组。两组一般情况及合并症差异无统计学意义。对两组的生长发育、胃肠耐受情况、血清胃泌素和胃动素水平、胃肠动力、胃电活动、肠系膜上动脉血流速度、胃食管返流情况进行观察监测。结果研究期间两组生长发育情况、平均肠外营养时间及住院时间差异无统计学意义;喂养耐受性早喂组较晚喂组明显增强（P=0．039）;血清胃动素水平早喂组较晚喂组在第7、14天明显升高;两组血清胃泌素水平差异无统计学意义;第28天时早喂组的胃电图检查更为成熟;早喂组的胎便排完时间更短;卡红胃肠道转运时间第28天早喂组更短;血流动力学参数变化差异无统计学意义。结论早期喂养可以促进VLBWI的胃肠道成熟,改善喂养不耐受,包括减少喂养并发症、促进胃肠激素分泌、促进胃电生理活动成熟、加强胃肠动力。     

Peripheral total parenteral nutrition for premature infants with the respiratory distress syndrome: a controlled study.

In 40 premature infants, in whom severe respiratory distress precluded oral feeding, peripheral total parenteral nutrition consisting of casein hydrosylate, dextrose, and soybean emulsion was compared to nutrition with dextrose and electrolytes. The TPN group received more calories, and the total serum protein in them increased significantly. Metabolic complications did not occur. Transient thrombocytosis occurred in six infants who received TPN and eosinophilia occurred in nine. The case fatality rate in the TPN group (three of 20) was not significantly less than in the glucose group (six of 20). The differences suggested that infants who weigh less than 1,500 gm may receive the greater benefit from TPN.     

Feeding strategies for premature infants: randomized trial of gastrointestinal priming and tube-feeding method

BACKGROUND: Data on enteral feeding management of premature infants are limited and often not the subject of randomized clinical trials. Several small studies suggest benefits from the early initiation of feeding, but do not assess the combined effects of time of initiation of feeding, tube-feeding method, and type of milk used. Either singly or in combination, these treatments may affect growth, bone mineralization, biochemical measures of nutritional status, and feeding tolerance, and, ultimately, the duration of hospitalization. METHODS: A total of 171 premature infants, stratified by gestational age (26 to 30 weeks) and diet (human milk or preterm formula) were assigned randomly among four treatment combinations in a balanced two-way design comparing the presence or absence of gastrointestinal (GI) priming for 10 days and continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus tube-feeding. RESULTS: The major outcome, time required for infants to attain full oral feeding, was similar among treatments. GI priming was not associated with any measured adverse effect and was associated with better calcium and phosphorus retention, higher serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase activity, and shorter intestinal transit times. The bolus tube-feeding method was associated with significantly less feeding intolerance and greater rate of weight gain than the continuous method. In addition, the greater the quantity of human milk fed, the lower the morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Early GI priming with human milk, using the bolus tube-feeding method, may provide the best advantage for the premature infant.     

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.     

Effect of total parenteral nutrition on lipase activity in the stomach of very low birth weight infants

Lipase activity was quantitated in gastric aspirates of 7 premature infants (gestational age 24-29 weeks) during periods of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), mixed parenteral nutrition and gavage feeding or exclusive gavage feeding. The infants were studied from birth until the establishment of exclusive gastric gavage feeding. Lipase activity in gastric aspirates (quantitated by the hydrolysis of 3H-triolein at pH 4.2 and expressed in nmol 3H-oleic acid released/min/ml gastric aspirate) did not differ significantly as a function of mode of feeding: 570 +/- 235 during TPN, 260 +/- 145 during mixed parenteral nutrition and gavage feeding, and 374 +/- 149 during exclusive gastric gavage feeding. The data suggest that, contrary to the intestine and pancreas, the digestive function of the stomach is not impaired during TPN in the very preterm infant.     

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目的探讨瘦素质量浓度与早期静脉营养及生长发育的关系。方法新疆医科大学第一附属医院新生儿科于2005-01—2006-02,将收治的86例早产适于胎龄儿用随机数字表法分为观察组(早期微量喂养同时辅助胃肠外营养组)45例和对照组(单纯早期微量喂养组)47例,分别测定脐血及第7天血清瘦素质量浓度,同时监测营养状况和生长发育指标,并作对比分析。结果(1)观察组与对照组脐血瘦素质量浓度分别为(4.6±3.7)ng/mL、(4.8±2.2)ng/mL,生后第7天两组瘦素质量浓度分别为(4.3±2.2)ng/mL、(3.1±1.7)ng/mL。对照组第7天血清瘦素质量浓度明显低于脐血(P<0.05),而观察组其差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(2)脐血瘦素质量浓度与出生体重、胎龄成正相关(r=0.56、r=0.67)。(3)观察组第7天热卡及蛋白质摄入量、血清瘦素质量浓度、皮褶厚度变化值与对照组相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论对早产儿应尽早喂养,同时需要胃肠外营养作为肠内营养的补充。瘦素可作为新生儿营养效果判定的实验室指标之一。     

Effects of different levels of intravenous alpha-linolenic acid and supplemental breast milk on red blood cell docosahexaenoic acid in very low birth-weight infants.

Preterm infants weighing less than 1,500 g were started on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) if unable to tolerate full enteral feedings. They were randomly assigned to receive intravenous lipids containing either 4.2 or 9.0% alpha-linolenic acid to assess the effect on red blood cell (RBC) phospholipid polyenoic fatty acid composition, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3) (DHA). DHA ultimately comes from alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n3), although there is evidence in human preterm infants that they require preformed DHA. After 1 week of TPN, infants were started on gradually increasing amounts of enteral feeding, breast milk, if elected by mothers, or premature milk formula (Preemie Enfamil). RBC phospholipid fatty acids were measured weekly. Results were evaluated comparing samples from week 1 and week 6. Supplying 9% alpha-linolenic acid in intravenous lipids did not prevent a fall in DHA by 6 weeks; however, infants receiving breast-milk feeding did not have a significant decrease in DHA. Studies are needed to evaluate supplying DHA in intravenous lipids.     

Effect of early feeding on maturation of the preterm infant''s small intestine

To determine the response of the preterm infant's intestine to entire feedings at different postnatal ages, we recorded results of manometry of the gastroduodenum and determined fasting plasma concentrations of gastrin, gastric inhibitory peptide, neurotensin, and peptide YY three times in each of two groups: 27 preterm infants were randomly assigned to receive hypocaloric enteral nutrition on postnatal days 3 to 5 (early feeding) or on days 10 to 14 (late feeding). Initial observations (study 1) were performed by the fifth postnatal day; study 2 was performed on days 10 to 14, and study 3 on days 24 to 28. Early-fed infants received hypocaloric feedings immediately after study 1; late-fed infants did not receive enteral feedings until the completion of study 2. Although motor activity and fasting gastrointestinal peptide concentrations did not differ between groups at study 1, at study 2 early-fed infants had significantly more mature motor patterns than did babies not being fed. Early-fed infants also had significantly higher plasma concentrations of gastrin and gastric inhibitory peptide than did late-fed infants; neurotensin and peptide YY values were similar in both groups. By the time of study 3, when late-fed infants had also received enteral feedings, gut development was not different in the two groups. However, early-fed infants were able to tolerate full oral nutrition sooner, had fewer days of feeding intolerance, and had shorter hospital stays. Thus the provision of early hypocaloric nutrition was associated with earlier nutrition of preterm infants' intestinal function and resulted in improved feeding tolerance. These findings support the use of early feedings in preterm infants.     

危重症早产儿早期微量喂养与血清胃泌素动态变化及临床情况的研究

目的 探讨危重症早产儿早期微量喂养与其血清胃泌素动态变化之间的关系,评价早期微量喂养对早产儿胃肠发育及临床情况的影响.方法 本组共125例,其中出生时有合并症的早产儿(危重评分≤90)共95例,分为早喂组48例,非早喂组47例.30例出生时无合并症的早产儿(危重评分＞90)为正常对照组.并对其胃肠道喂养耐受情况,生长发育情况进行监测.对照组生后6 h开始试喂糖水,每次1～2 ml/kg,1～2次后喂配方乳,逐渐加量至足量.早喂组生后72 h内开始给予微量喂养刺激,0.5～1 ml/kg,3 h 1次,逐渐加量至足量.非早喂组病情平稳后(最早生后72 h),再给予胃肠内喂养.用放射免疫分析方法测定3组生后1、3、7 d的血清胃泌素的水平.结果 (1)胃泌素含量:对照组、早喂组的血清胃泌素在生后1、3、7 d均呈上升趋势.生后1 d,早喂组[(82.4±24.5)ng/L]和非早喂组[(87.0±40.2)ng/L]的血清胃泌素水平明显高于对照组[(66.4±19.7)ng/L](F=3.36,P＜0.05).3、7 d早喂组胃泌素[(96.3±14.6)ng/L,(113.0±16.5)ng/L]水平较非早喂组[(73.9±13.5)ng/L,(92.4 ±12.2)ng/L]高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(2)临床观察指标:对照组、早喂组、非早喂组喂养不耐受的人数(2/30,5/48,14/47)、达足量喂养的时间[(20.6±5.7)d,(27.8士6.1)d,(39.5 ±4.7)d]、住院天数[(29.0±4.6)d,(39.0±4.8)d,(48.0 ±5.6)d]等方面差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(3)生长发育指标:早喂组与非早喂组患儿在出生1～2N体重增长差异无统计学意义[(5.9 ±2.9)g/d vs(5.0±2.1)g/d].恢复出生体重时间[(19.8±4.2)d vs(25.2±5.1)d],出生3～4周体重的增长差异有统计学意义[(19.1 ±2.4)g/d vs(11.9±3.3)g/d](P＜0.05).(4)出现合并症的情况:3组均无NEC及其他消化道合并症出现.早喂组与其他两组相比,感染、贫血、呼吸暂停、低血糖等合并症的发病人数差异无统计学意义.结论 危重症早产儿合适的早期微量喂养可以促进胃泌素的分泌,促进胃肠道发育,且不增加合并症的发生.     

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.     

Nutritional support of very-low-birth-weight infants requiring prolonged assisted ventilation

We studied the influence of nutritional support on weight loss and time to regain birth weight (BW) (less than 1500 g) in infants requiring prolonged assisted ventilation. A total of 134 infants admitted between 1980 and 1982 were reviewed. Birth weight, gestational age, lowest recorded daily weight and percentage of loss, days to recover BW, energy intake, and nutrient source during the BW-recovery period were determined. A decrease in weight loss (13% to 10%) and in mean (+/- SD) recovery time (20.9 +/- 7.3 days to 13.8 +/- 6.4 days) in very-low-birth-weight, critically ill infants was noted. The use of parenteral feeding routes increased, as well as tolerance of initial enteral feedings following parenteral support. We attribute the decreased convalescence period for BW recovery to improved nutrition secondary to the increased use and earlier initiation of parenteral nutrition.     

The use of a crystalline amino acid mixture for parenteral nutrition in low-birth-weight infants.

Thirty-six preterm, sick, low-birth-weight neonates were given either total or partial parenteral nutrition. The patients were divided into three groups according to their birth weights: group A -less than 1,000 gm, 12 patients: group B--between 1,000 and 1,500 gm, 15 patients: group C--more than 1,500 gm, 9 patients. The solution for total parenteral nutrition contained 20% glucose and 2.6% crystalline amino acids plus appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals. The volume of infusate given was usually 125 ml/kg/day, but varied depending on the clinical condition of the patient; occasionally it was as high as 150 to 175 ml/kg/day. Infusate of one-half strength was administered initially; its concentrations of glucose and amino acids were increased to three quarters and full strength gradually, if tolerated. The solution for total parenteral nutrition was infused into the superior vena cava via a central venous catheter; that for partial parenteral nutrition was given into a peripheral vein to supplement inadequate oral feedings. The period of parenteral nutrition lasted from 5 to 49 days, with an average of 13.2 days. The intake of 500 mg of nitrogen as crystalline amino acids and 100 kcal as glucose was capable of achieving body weight gain. Positive nitrogen balance of various degrees was also observed. Hyperglycemia of a slight to moderate degree was observed in nine patients; only three required insulin therapy. Two patients had thrombotic occlusion of the central venous catheter. The conclusion was reached that total parenteral nutrition or partial parenteral nutrition, when properly managed, is a safe procedure in small, premature infants. The amino acid solution given as a nitrogen source along with adequate calories was effective in promoting weight gain and nitrogen balance; it was apparently well tolerated by low-birth-weight neonates.     

部分胃肠外营养在早产儿的临床应用

目的探讨早产儿胃肠外营养对血浆渗透压、血糖、生化及胆红素代谢、免疫功能、生长发育的影响。方法早产儿70例随机分为对照组和治疗组,在胃肠道喂养的基础上治疗组予静脉营养,对照组静滴10%葡萄糖、生理盐水和电解质;对两组进行有关指标监测。结果1.应用静脉营养后早产儿血浆渗透压、血糖、生化与输注前无显著性差异;2.两组黄疸出现时间、持续天数无显著性差异;3.治疗组血浆IgGI、gAI、gM、C3、CD4及CD4/CD8均高于对照组;4.治疗组出生体质量恢复时间、住院天数和体质量增长均优于对照组。结论胃肠外营养对血浆渗透压、生化、血糖及胆红素代谢无影响,胃肠外营养能促进早产儿体质量增长,缩短住院天数和能促进免疫功能。     

早产儿早期静脉营养耐受性的探讨

目的 探讨早产儿生后1～2d对静脉营养的耐受性。方法 将不能完全耐受肠道营养的早产儿34例(胎龄29～36周，体重900～1800g)，随机分为两组，实验组于生后48h内添加氨基酸及脂肪乳；对照组采用传统的静脉营养方法，即生后第3天应用氨基酸，第5天应用脂肪乳，同时均根据病情尽早经口微量喂养。两组患儿均于生后第1天及第7天采血，监测血清游离脂肪酸、总胆红素、直接胆红素、白蛋白、甘油三脂、总胆固醇，每天监测体重、微量血糖及经皮胆红素值。比较两组患儿恢复出生体重的时间、血清游离脂肪酸、胆红素及血脂的变化。结果 1)实验组患儿恢复出生体重的时间较对照组短；2)两组患儿生后相同日龄测得血清游脂肪酸、总胆红素、直接胆红素、甘油三脂、总胆固醇及血清游离脂肪酸与白蛋白的摩尔比均无显著差异。结论 早产儿生后1～2d可耐受全或部分肠道外营养。     

A controlled trial of insulin infusion and parenteral nutrition in extremely low birth weight infants with glucose intolerance

To determine whether a continuous insulin infusion improves glucose tolerance in extremely low birth weight infants, we conducted a prospective, randomized trial in 24 neonates 4 to 14 days old (mean birth weight 772.9 +/- 128 gm; mean gestational age 26.3 +/- 1.6 weeks). Infants who had glucose intolerance were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous glucose and total parenteral nutrition with insulin through a microliter-sensitive pump or standard intravenous therapy alone. One infant assigned to receive insulin never required it. The groups were similar in birth weight, gestational age, race, gender, medical condition, and energy intake before the study. The mean duration of therapy was 14.6 days (range 7 to 21 days). During the study, the 11 insulin-treated infants tolerated higher glucose infusion rates (20.1 +/- 2.5 vs 13.2 +/- 3.2 mg/kg/min (1.1 +/- 0.1 vs 0.7 +/- 0.2 mmol/L); p less than 0.01), had greater nonprotein energy intake (124.7 +/- 18 vs 86.0 +/- 6 kcal/kg/day; p less than 0.01), and had better weight gain (20.1 +/- 12.1 vs 7.8 +/- 5.1 gm/kg/day; p less than 0.01) than the 12 control infants. The incidence of hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalance, chronic lung disease, and death did not differ between groups. We conclude that a controlled insulin infusion improves and sustains glucose tolerance, facilitates provision of calories, and enhances weight gain in glucose-intolerant premature infants.     

Nutrition and growth analysis of very low birth weight infants

The growth and nutrition of 220 very low birth weight infants were reviewed after comprehensive data on all infants in the hospital were entered into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Audit Data Base for 2 years prospectively. Fluid and energy (parenteral and oral) intakes were compared in four birth weight categories (1, less than or equal to 750 g; 2, 751 to 1000 g; 3, 1001 to 1250 g; 4, 1251 to 1500 g). Parenteral nutrition was the major source of first nutrition for the small infants, but seldom did it alone provide adequate nutrition for very low birth weight infants. The age of the first nutrition (parenteral and/or oral nutrition other than dextrose) decreased with increasing birth weight. The age of the first oral feedings was later for the infants of the lower birth weights but enteral feeding became the major nutrition for all weight categories by the second week of life. During the first 50 days the infants accumulated a deficit of 3780 to 5460 kJ relative to their estimated need of 504 kJ/kg per day, with the smaller infants accumulating a significantly larger deficit. The growth of infants appropriate for gestational age and of infants small for gestational age differed from each other and from the commonly used graph of Dancis et al (J Pediatr. 1948;33:570-572).