Longitudinal study of energy expenditure in preterm neonates <30 weeks' gestation during the first three postnatal weeks.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to measure energy expenditure (EE) in a contemporary population of preterm neonates <30 weeks' gestation.


METHODS
Prospective longitudinal cohort study in 26 consecutive preterm neonates (gestational age, 27 weeks [23-29] [median, range]; birth weight, 980 g [554-1592]). EE was measured by indirect calorimetry on postnatal days 1, 3, 5, 10, and 21. Data on body weight, energy intake, and medical therapy were prospectively collected.


RESULTS
EE increased from 121 +/- 25 kJ/kg per day (29 +/- 6 kcal/kg per day) (mean +/- SD) on day 1 to 222 +/- 25 kJ/kg per day (53 +/- 6 kcal/kg per day) on day 21. An energy deficit occurred only on day 1. EE was closely related to energy intake: For each additional kJ given, EE increased by 0.3 kJ (r = 0.789, P <.0001). Neonates with a birth weight <1000 g did not have a more pronounced energy deficit than the heavier neonates. EE during nasal continuous positive airway pressure in the first postnatal week was 25% lower than during spontaneous respiration.


CONCLUSIONS
EE could be predicted from energy intake with acceptable accuracy in preterm neonates <30 weeks' gestation during the first 3 postnatal weeks. There was no prolonged energy deficit.
Bauer
Karl
K
Department of Pediatrics, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. karl.bauer@medizin.fu-berlin.de
Laurenz
Maren
M
Ketteler
Jörg
J
Versmold
Hans
H
D000367:Age Factors; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors