Effect of early administration of total enteral feeding with different regimens of nutritional preparations on the growth status of very low birth weight preterm infants
- Author:
Wei LIU
1
;
Wei SHEN
;
Mingwu CHEN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Research Paper
- From:Nutrition Research and Practice 2026;20(2):239-252
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants face significant nutritional challenges, and the selection of an appropriate enteral nutrition protocol is critical for promoting growth and development while minimizing the risk of complications.This study aimed to analyze the impact of early administration of total enteral feeding with various nutritional preparations on the growth status of VLBW preterm infants.
SUBJECTS/METHODS:A retrospective study was conducted on 79 cases of VLBW preterm infants. The subjects were categorized into 3 groups based on the differences in nutritional intervention: the breastfeeding group (BF group, n = 28), the standard preterm formula group (SPF group, n = 25), and the extensively hydrolyzed protein formula group (EHF group, n = 26).
RESULTS:The discharge weight, weight gain, and growth rate of infants in the EHF group were significantly higher than those in the SPF and BF groups, and the growth rate in the SPF group was higher than that in the BF group. Upon discharge, the SPF group exhibited greater length and head circumference compared to the BF and EHF groups. The incidence of diarrhea in the SPF group was higher than that in the BF and EHF groups. Upon discharge, the uric acid level in the EHF group was higher than that in the SPF group. The hospital stay for infants in the SPF and EHF groups was shorter than that in the BF group. The EHF group had a significantly higher mean daily protein intake compared to the SPF and BF groups, while the SPF group exhibited a higher carbohydrate intake than the other 2 groups.
CONCLUSION:While SPF feeding is effective in improving the head circumference and body length of VLBW preterm infants, it is associated with a higher incidence of diarrhea.In contrast, EHF feeding yields better weight gain outcomes and demonstrates superior safety.
