[Quality of post-discharge growth in small for gestational age preterm infants: an explorative study].
OBJECTIVE
The Preterm newborns, especially if born small for gestational age (SGA), appear to be at risk for developing post-natal growth failure and an altered body composition. Nutrition-related growth during a critical window in infancy may affect the development of metabolic syndrome in adult life. Aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the post-discharge period is critical for programming the catch up growth and the later development of metabolic syndrome in small for gestational-age infants fed either standard or enriched formula.


METHODS
A clinic randomized explorative study was conducted. Twenty-seven preterm SGA infants (gestational age < or = 33 weeks; birth weight < or = 1500 g) underwent assessment of growth and body composition by means of an air displacement system at 36 weeks, 15 days and 1 months adjusted age. SGA infants were randomized to receive standard formula (Kcal: 67/100 ml, proteins: 1,4 g/100 ml) or enriched formula (Kcal: 75/100 ml, proteins: 2 g/100 ml) after discharge.


RESULTS
No differences in weight, fat mass, length and head circumference were found in SGA infants fed standard formula as compared to those fed enriched formula at 15 day or 1 months adjusted age.


CONCLUSIONS
This explorative study suggests that in SGA infants growth, both in terms of quantity and quality, is not influenced by different nutritional management during the early post-discharge period.
Taroni
E
E
Istitute of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Fondazione IRCCS "Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena", University of Milan.
Liotto
N
N
Orsi
A
A
Piemontese
P
P
Amato
O
O
Morlacchi
L
L
Mosca
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001823:Body Composition; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development*; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age / Q000254:growth & development*; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control; D010351:Patient Discharge