Khalid N Haque.
Feeding preterm infants: a pragmatic review.
Pak Paed J Jan ;33(1):4-13.

Motivation for this review is the recognition that more and more preterm babies are cared for and are surviving in Pakistan. Hence it is hoped that understanding the unique nutritional needs of the preterm infant will ensure that these infants are fed adequately with nutritionally adequate milk. Growth, development and maturation of the foetus are greatest during the last trimester of pregnancy and in early infancy. Premature birth deprives the preterm infant of this surge in growth. This has to be made up post-nataly in the so called “catch-up” period making provision of ideal nutrition (in quality and quantity) and feeding regimen that allow maximal potential for growth and developmental outcome of the premature infant. Ehrenkranz et al1 have clearly demonstrated that with increasing rate of weight gain from 12.0 to 21.2 grams/kg/day secondary to nutritionally adequate feeding the incidence of cerebral palsy, Bayley II Mental Developmental Index (MDI) < 70 and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) < 70, abnormal neurological examination, neuro-developmental impairment and need for re-hospitalisation fell significantly. Thus, providing early nutritionally adequate feed not only reduces short, medium and long term morbidity but is also cost efficient and cost effective—an important consideration. On the other hand under nutrition, especially of protein at this critical stage of development and growth has been shown to have adverse long term effects on neurological, behavioural, cognitive and physical outcome increasing their long term care costs. This is a review article.

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