EARLY INTRAVENOUS FEEDING OF THE LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATE

Abstract

In 100 low birth weight neonates, the effect of early intravenous feeding on several biochemical and clinical parameters was evaluated by comparing this regimen to one with oral feedings after a 24-hour fast. Blood glucose determinations obtained on 11 occasions during their first 5 days of life revealed a statistically significant higher mean value for the intravenous group through the first 60 hours of life. An unexpectedly high percentage (21%) of infants from both of the groups had glucose values below 30 mg/100 ml within 1 to 2 hours after their birth. Fasted infants under 1,500 gm had significantly lower glucose levels than the entire fasted group through most of the first 33½ days of life. Only fasted infants (10%) developed consecutive glucose values below 30 mg/100 ml, all were males, and four-fifths were below the 20th percentile for weight for their gestational age. Sudden cessation of the intravenous infusion was at times associated with a precipitous drop in the blood glucose, especially in the infants under 1,500 gm. Rate of weight loss or subsequent gain, mean maximum bilirubin levels, incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, and mortality were not altered by the intravenous fluid, but a slight hemodilution did occur.