370 Improved Nutrient Intake and Postnatal Weight Gain in Preterm Infants After Establishment of a Neonatal Nutrition Support Team.

Abstract

Background: Adequate nutrient intake is essential to prevent postnatal growth retardation in preterm infants. In January 2002 a neonatal nutrition support team (NNST) was introduced in our Neonatal Intensive Care in order to increase the awareness of the importance of optimum nutrition as part of the overall patient treatment. The NNST focused on optimization of energy and protein intake and postnatal growth. We hypothesize that the establishment of a NNST improves nutrient intake and postnatal weight gain in preterm infants. Aim: To evaluate: 1. The computerized energy and protein prescription; 2. The effect on postnatal growth in preterm infants, before ( 2002) the establishment of a NNST. Study Design: Nutrient prescription and body weight were recorded using a computerized prescription system (PDMS) for all newborn infants admitted between July 1999 and December 2004. PDMS provides a quick and complete overview of the amount of fluid, nutrients and medication prescribed, and records these data in a database. Data from preterm infants 3 days, were included in the analysis (n=871). Results: Gestational age and birth weight were comparable: 2002: 29.4 ± 1.7 weeks and 1226 ± 352 g. Energy and protein prescriptions increased significantly over the years, as did percent weight gain from birth weight in the first 4 postnatal weeks (P 2002: 11.3 ± 4.5 vs. 12.9 ± 4.9 days in the group <2002 (p<0.001). Conclusions: The establishment of a NNST in our Neonatal Intensive Care resulted in increased energy and protein prescription, and improved postnatal weight gain in preterm infants.