Total intravenous alimentation in low-birth-weight infants: A preliminary report

• Published in: The Journal of pediatrics Vol. 81; no. 1; pp. 145 - 153
• Main Authors: Driscoll, John M., Heird, William C., Schullinger, John N., Gongaware, Robert D., Winters, Robert W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mosby, Inc 01.07.1972
• Subjects: Acid-Base Equilibrium; Birth Weight; Blood Glucose - metabolism; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Body Weight; Bone Diseases - etiology; Calcium - blood; Calcium, Dietary - administration & dosage; Candidiasis - etiology; Dietary Carbohydrates - administration & dosage; Dietary Proteins - administration & dosage; Female; Glucose - administration & dosage; Humans; Hyperglycemia - etiology; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases - therapy; Liver Diseases - etiology; Male; Nitrogen - metabolism; Parenteral Nutrition - adverse effects; Phosphorus - blood; Protein Hydrolysates - administration & dosage; Respiratory Insufficiency - therapy
• ISSN: 0022-3476; 1097-6833
• DOI: 10.1016/S0022-3476(72)80394-9

Nine infants with birth weights less than 1,200 Gm. received total intravenous alimentation for 5 to 24 days. In six infants, alimentation was started within 48 hours of birth; in three others, the procedure was started at 12 to 14 days of age. When a caloric intake of more than 100 Cal. per kilogram per day was achieved, weight gain averaged 15.3 Gm. per day and nitrogen balance averaged 0.23 Gm. per day. No significant deviations were observed of plasma sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and acid-base values. The time required to regain the initial body weight after institution of intravenous nutrition was significantly improved over that expected in conventionally managed infants of similar weights. The results demonstrate that the technique, when properly used, warrants further controlled investigation in premature infants.