¿Mejora el aporte proteico precoz el crecimiento extrauterino en recién nacidos pretérmino de bajo peso?

Resumo

Introduction Extrauterine growth restriction affects most premature newborns. Early and higher parenteral protein intake seems to improve postnatal growth and associated comorbidities. We evaluate the impact of a new parenteral nutrition protocol based on early amino acid administration on postnatal growth in premature infants with a birth weight < 1,500 grams. Material and methods A case-control study in 58 premature newborns with a birth weight < 1,500 grams. In the case group we included 29 preterm neonates who received at least 1.5g/kg/day parenteral amino acid during the first 24hours after birth, reaching a maximum dose of 3.5g/kg/day on the 3rd-4th day after birth. The control group was formed by 29 preterm neonates for whom protein support began on the 2nd-3rd day after birth with a dose of 1g/kg/day with lower daily increases than the case group. Growth rates and complications were followed until 28 days of life or discharge from NICU. Results There were no differences between groups in baseline characteristics. Premature newborns who received higher and earlier doses of proteins had a greater weight gain than the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (423±138g vs. 315±142g; P=.005). In addition, they had a higher daily weight gain rate (19.4±3.3 vs. 16.5±4.8; P=.010) and they regained birth weight earlier (11.5±3.3 days vs. 14.5±4.5 days; P=.045). A higher incidence of complications was not observed. Conclusions Early and higher amino acid administration improves growth rate in premature neonates with no apparent increase in risks for the patient.