Energy Dense Feeding in Premature Infants and Its’ Associated Outcomes

Abstract

COVID-19 infection in pregnant mothers is associated with higher risk of intrauterine growth retardation and premature births. Very low birth weight infants are more susceptible to neurodevelopmental and chronic respiratory problems.

An infant delivered at 33 weeks via caesarean section to a COVID-19 Stage 5A positive mother, weighing 1.43kg at birth. She was kept nil by mouth with parenteral nutrition (PN) support since day five of life until referred to dietitian on day 22 of life for enteral nutrition (EN) establishment. Feeding was administered intermittently via oro-gastric Ryle’s Tube. She was kept under non-invasive ventilation (NIV) mode and had difficulty in weaning from ventilation, leading to slow feeding progress. 

Initially, enteral trophic feeding was administered using premature infant formula fortified with modular products. In the later stage of feeding, modular products were tapered off and the formula was concentrated. Frequency of bowel output when using fortified formula is lesser compared to when using concentrated and supplemented formula. There is no significant difference in renal profile observed in both stages of feeding. 

Increasing energy intake using easily digestible sources is preferable as opposed to concentrating feeds even further due to concerns about osmolality and excess administration of other solutes. Intermittent bolus feeding mode may have an effect on dependency on oxygen since intermittent feeds can decrease tidal volume, minute ventilation and dynamic compliance.

Additional research is necessary to establish optimal caloric density and nutritional compositions of feedings, feeding mechanisms and its’ effect on feeding tolerance.