Assessment of early nutritional intake in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a cohort study

This cohort study evaluated the nutritional supply in 78 very preterm newborns, with 20.5% developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This work aimed to evaluate the nutritional intake and the calorie/protein ratio received in the first 4 weeks of life. Anthropometric measures at birth and term age, the weight at each of the first 4 weeks of life, and the feeding practices were registered. The mean gestational age and birth weight were lower in those who developed BPD. At term age, head circumference and length Z-scores were significantly lower in newborns with BPD, who started enteral feeding and reached full diet later, staying longer in parenteral nutrition. The protein rate received by all newborns was similar, whether developing BPD or not, but those who developed BPD received significantly lower fluid volume and calorie rates after the second week. The daily calorie/protein ratio (30 kcal/1-g protein) was reached by 88.7% of the newborns who did not develop BPD in the third week, with those who developed BPD receiving less than this ratio until the second week, persisting in 56.3% of them on the fourth week. Conclusion: A calorie/protein ratio below that recommended for growth was found in preterm newborns who developed BPD, and providing nutrition for these newborns remains a challenge.

Automated summary

This cohort study evaluated the nutritional supply in 78 very preterm newborns, with 20.5% developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The study found differences in formula intake and intake rates in infants who developed BPD, indicating that providing appropriate nutrition for these preterm infants remains a challenge.