Edda Hofstätter1, Verena Köttstorfer1, Patricia Stroicz2, Sebastian Schütz3, Lorenz Auer-Hackenberg1, Johannes Brandner1, Martin Wald1. 1. Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria. 2. Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria. p.stroicz@salk.at. 3. Department of Mathematics, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg, Austria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: It is shown that meeting the increased nutritional demand of preterm infants from birth is not only important for survival but essentially contributes to the infants` overall development and long-term health. While there are established guidelines for weaning term infants, evidence regarding preterm infants is scarce and less precise. The aim of this study was to identify the current practices on introducing solids to preterm infants amongst caregivers in Salzburg and determine potential reasons for early weaning. METHODS: Altogether 68 infants born between 24 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks were recruited and detailed structured interviews with the caregivers were conducted at 17 weeks corrected age. Weight, height and head circumference were collected. RESULTS: 52% of the study group received solids before the recommended 17 weeks corrected age. For this group the mean age being 13.77 ± 1.11 weeks corrected age. Premature introduction of solids significantly correlates with exclusively and early formula-feeding. 34% were weaned due to recommendation by their paediatrician. 23% of the preterm infants even received solids before 12 weeks corrected age, putting them at risks for developing obesity, celiac disease and diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the necessity for clear guidelines regarding the introduction of complementary feeding in preterm infants as well as the importance of their implementation. Caregivers should receive information on this topic early enough and they should fully understand the difference between chronological and corrected age.
BACKGROUND: It is shown that meeting the increased nutritional demand of preterm infants from birth is not only important for survival but essentially contributes to the infants` overall development and long-term health. While there are established guidelines for weaning term infants, evidence regarding preterm infants is scarce and less precise. The aim of this study was to identify the current practices on introducing solids to preterm infants amongst caregivers in Salzburg and determine potential reasons for early weaning. METHODS: Altogether 68 infants born between 24 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks were recruited and detailed structured interviews with the caregivers were conducted at 17 weeks corrected age. Weight, height and head circumference were collected. RESULTS: 52% of the study group received solids before the recommended 17 weeks corrected age. For this group the mean age being 13.77 ± 1.11 weeks corrected age. Premature introduction of solids significantly correlates with exclusively and early formula-feeding. 34% were weaned due to recommendation by their paediatrician. 23% of the preterm infants even received solids before 12 weeks corrected age, putting them at risks for developing obesity, celiac disease and diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the necessity for clear guidelines regarding the introduction of complementary feeding in preterm infants as well as the importance of their implementation. Caregivers should receive information on this topic early enough and they should fully understand the difference between chronological and corrected age.
Authors: Brittni Frederiksen; Miranda Kroehl; Molly M Lamb; Jennifer Seifert; Katherine Barriga; George S Eisenbarth; Marian Rewers; Jill M Norris Journal: JAMA Pediatr Date: 2013-09 Impact factor: 16.193
Authors: Ulf Ekelund; Ken K Ong; Yvonné Linné; Martin Neovius; Søren Brage; David B Dunger; Nicholas J Wareham; Stephan Rössner Journal: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Date: 2006-10-10 Impact factor: 5.958
Authors: Elaine M Boyle; Gry Poulsen; David J Field; Jennifer J Kurinczuk; Dieter Wolke; Zarko Alfirevic; Maria A Quigley Journal: BMJ Date: 2012-03-01