Abstract
The effects of beginning feedings at 6 hours of age or after a fast of 72 hours have been studied in 156 premature and 60 term infants. With calorie deprivation, blood glucose values dropped progressively from birth; over 50 per cent of the premature infants had a value less than 25 mg. per 100 ml. at 72 hours of age. Clinical symptoms of hypoglycemia were not apparent. Significant ketonuria by 48 to 72 hours and a decreased increment in blood glucose response to administration of glucagon after 72 hours were noted in fasted premature babies. Infants with mild respiratory distress and/or anoxia (Apgar score 1 to 3) had generally higher blood glucose values, and infants of toxemic mothers had lower values, than did normal premature infants. The effects of early and late feedings on serum values of bilirubin and free fatty acid are presented.
Published Version
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