Work

Thermal equilibrium as a predictor of growth efficiency in preterm infants

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Providing adequate nutrition to preterm infants to achieve postnatal growth similar to intrauterine growth remains challenging due to the unpredictability of individual determinants. Material and methods: We used a calculation program for infant incubators to compare the estimated heat balance with the caloric intake and growth rate in Very Low Birth Weight Infants (VLBWI). Results and discussion: A group of 32 VLBWI was studied over a period of 14-28 days. An interrelationship between thermal equilibrium and growth rate was observed, with standardized incubator settings being unable to avoid periods of negative thermal balance and concomitantly poor growth rate. Conclusion: Determining personalized incubator settings by means of a calculation program could help improve nutrition and growth in preterm infants.

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1469724

Authors: Julia Heiter, Juliane Konow, Jochim Koch, Dominique Singer, Chinedu Ulrich Ebenebe

Institutions: University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Klinikum Itzehoe, Dräger (Germany)

Language: English

Topic: Infant Nutrition and Health

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,295