P G Radmacher1, S L Lewis, D H Adamkin. 1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. paula.radmacher@louisville.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early amino-acid (AA) administration in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants over three time periods, beginning with the initiation of this strategy. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of ELBW infants between 2000 and 2007. Nutritional intake and laboratory results were monitored during the first 5 days of life. Growth rates and complications were followed until discharge. RESULT: Infants were similar in birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA) and severity of illness. The age at initiation of AA decreased significantly over time. Age at weight nadir, return to BW and percent postnatal weight loss decreased in epoch 3. There were modest increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), but no significant metabolic disturbances were observed. Cholestasis was more prevalent in epoch 2. CONCLUSION: AA administration within the first hours of life appears to be safe and beneficial for ELBW infants. Absent signs of renal dysfunction, a modest rise in BUN is consistent with the neonate's utilization of AAs for energy.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early amino-acid (AA) administration in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants over three time periods, beginning with the initiation of this strategy. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of ELBW infants between 2000 and 2007. Nutritional intake and laboratory results were monitored during the first 5 days of life. Growth rates and complications were followed until discharge. RESULT: Infants were similar in birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA) and severity of illness. The age at initiation of AA decreased significantly over time. Age at weight nadir, return to BW and percent postnatal weight loss decreased in epoch 3. There were modest increases in blood ureanitrogen (BUN), but no significant metabolic disturbances were observed. Cholestasis was more prevalent in epoch 2. CONCLUSION: AA administration within the first hours of life appears to be safe and beneficial for ELBW infants. Absent signs of renal dysfunction, a modest rise in BUN is consistent with the neonate's utilization of AAs for energy.
Authors: Amitha R Aroor; Lalitha Krishnan; Zenaida Reyes; Muhammed Fazallulah; Masood Ahmed; Ashfaq A Khan; Yahya Al-Farsi Journal: Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J Date: 2012-02-07