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Am J Perinatol 2020; 37(14): 1462-1466
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1694724
Original Article

Investigation of a Common Clinical Approach to Poor Growth in Preterm Infants

Stephanie G. Korff
1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
,
Julie Ross
1   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
,
Kristen Morella
2   Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
,
Sarah N. Taylor
3   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Abstract

Objective This study aimed to determine the effect of elevated energy intake with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil or formula powder on growth velocity and weight z-score in very low birth weight infants receiving human milk and human milk fortifier.

Study Design This was a cohort study of infants exposed to MCT oil or formula powder for at least 7 days. Mean 7-day change in growth velocity and weight z-scores were compared pre- and postintervention.

Results Forty-three infants received increased energy with either MCT oil or formula powder. Infants receiving MCT oil were more preterm and had a lower birth weight. When evaluating 7-day changes pre- and postintervention, growth velocity increased from 10.0 g/kg/day to 19.8 g/kg/day, and change in weight Z-score increased from –0.24 to 0.05.

Conclusion This clinical approach using MCT oil or formula powder for additional energy was associated with improved, at least short-term, growth velocity and weight z-score trajectory.

Keywords

preterm infant - human milk - growth - fortifier - medium-chain triglyceride oil - formula


Publication History

Received: 10 May 2019

Accepted: 02 July 2019

Article published online:
20 August 2019

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