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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #67306
Title: NUTRITIONAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL SUPPORT FOR THE INFANT WITH RESPIRATORY DISTRESS: NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

Author
item VALENTINE, CHRISTINA - BAYLOR COLL OF MEDICINE
item SCHANLER, RICHARD - BAYLOR COLL OF MEDICINE
item ABRAMS, STEVEN - BAYLOR COLL OF MEDICINE

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Nutrition plays an integral role in the management of the high-risk neonate. Interactions between nutrition and respiratory function have been linked to impairments in cellular reactions, protective antioxidant mechanisms, immune defenses, and lung development. Likewise, overnutrition may impair lung function. Consequently, the ability to wean an infant with compromised lung function from ventilatory support may be prolonged if attention is not given to nutritional well-being. Limited body stores, the need to provide rates of nutrient accretion similar to those of the fetus, the known increased energy expenditure, and potential nutrient-therapy interactions are factors that aid in the determination of optimal acute and chronic nutrient needs for high-risk neonates. The goal for nutrition support is to enable a body weight gain of approximately 15 g/kg/day, or, for neonates greater than 35 weeks gestation, approximately 20 g/day. This schapter focuses on the guidelines for the acute and chronic nutritional management of high-risk neonates, the majority of whom require respiratory support. This population includes the infant of very low birth weight and the larger, more mature infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.