title: Evaluation of transthyretin as a monitor of protein-energy intake in preterm and sick neonatal infants.
abstract: In the past, weight and weight gain have been the two parameters used frequently in neonatal units to monitor nutrition among high-risk infants. Our investigation sought to assess how several anthropometric measures (weight, length, head circumference, arm:head circumference ratio, and tricep skinfold) and serum albumin, transthyretin, and transferrin concentrations reflect protein and energy intake. After monitoring 42 preterm and 40 sick infants over 3 consecutive weeks, we found that transthyretin concentration proved the only serum protein which accurately measured energy and protein intakes in less than 1 week from dietary manipulation. Among preterm infants, as protein and energy intakes rose, transthyretin concentration increased significantly (p less than 0.001). Preterm infants ingested 79 +/- 39 kcal/kg/day and 2.04 +/- 1.02 g protein/kg/day at the first assessment point after birth and rose to 103 +/- 34 kcal/kg/day and 2.64 +/- 0.94 g protein/kg/day. Likewise, transthyretin measured 10.83 +/- 3.91 mg/dl at the initial measurement and rose to 14.80 +/- 4.44 at the second measurement time. Although protein intakes measured slightly lower in the sick group, their intakes correlated to transthyretin concentration (assessment time 1, r = 0.39; time 2, r = 0.33; time 3, r = 0.33). Thus, transthyretin concentration in neonatal infants offers a rapid, accurate, and moderately inexpensive way to monitor protein-energy adequacy.
mesh_terms: D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011228:Prealbumin / Q000097:blood*; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins; D011228:Prealbumin