Post-discharge Nutrition.
- Author:
Ee Kyung KIM
1
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea. kimek@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Preterm infants;
Post-discharge nutrition;
Growth;
Development
- MeSH:
Head;
Humans;
Infant;
Infant, Newborn;
Infant, Premature;
Milk, Human;
Nutritional Support
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Neonatology
2009;16(2):131-136
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Preterm infants are frequently discharged from the hospital with growth retardation. Given the potentially lifelong effects of growth impairmnet during a critical time of development, considerable effort should be focused on improving growth after discharge. Growth monitoring must be based on regular measurements of weight, length, and head circumference to identify those preterm infants with poor growth that may need additional nutritional support. Although prior studies vary in design and the intervention used, the evidence supports the use of fortified formulas in formula-fed preterm infants after discharge. The situation for infants fed human milk is much less clear, it seems prudent to concentrate our efforts on the encouragement of breast-feeding in this population. Catch up growth may have many benefits, and may lead to improved development. However, its long-term metabolic consequences are currently unclear. Understanding the optimal means of providing nutrition after discharge is an ongoing process.
