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Neonatal nutrition: a brief review

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Abstract

Background

With increasing survival of extremely premature infants, emphasis is now focused on the quality of these survivors’ lives. Possibly the most important factor in the premature’s ability to survive in the NICU and thrive is the ability to replicate in utero growth through enteral and parenteral nutrition.

Data Sources

Current literature and review articles were retrieved from PubMed and personal files of the authors.

Results

The use and complications of the various components of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were reviewed. The composition of appropriate enteral feeds for the premature was reviewed as was the difficulties associated with the establishment of adequate enteral feeds in the premature infants.

Conclusions

Early initiation of amino acids in TPN and timely increases in the components of TPN can improve the caloric intake of prematures. Enteral feeds, particularly of breast milk, may be started within the first few days of life in all but hemodynamically unstable prematures. Newer lipid preparations show promise in reversing the hepatic damage of TPN associated cholestatic jaundice.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Philadelphia, USA

    David L. Schutzman, Rachel Porat, Agnes Salvador & Michael Janeczko

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Albert Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19141, USA

    David L. Schutzman, Rachel Porat, Agnes Salvador & Michael Janeczko

  3. 5501 Old York Road, Lifter Bldg., Suite 2601, Philadelphia, PA, 19141, USA

    David L. Schutzman

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  1. David L. Schutzman
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  2. Rachel Porat
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Correspondence to David L. Schutzman.

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Schutzman, D.L., Porat, R., Salvador, A. et al. Neonatal nutrition: a brief review. World J Pediatr 4, 248–253 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-008-0046-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-008-0046-2

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