Low Birth Weight Infants Research Articles

Effect of active-duty military service on neonatal birth outcomes: a systematic review

IntroductionIncreasing numbers of women serve in the armed forces in countries worldwide. Stress experienced during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes including preterm delivery (PTD) and low birth weight...

Evaluation of Hospital Outcomes Among Very Low Birth Weight Babies in a Community-Level Medical College Hospital

Introduction: Very low birth weight (VLBW) babies are at increased risk from a wide range of hazards resulting from immaturity of structure and functions of many organs, which may cause death or permanent damage. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate immediate outcomes in VLBW babies. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Kumudini Women’s Medical College and Hospital, Mirzapur, Tangail from August 2008 to July 2009. At enrollment VLBW babies (birth weight <1500 grams) were assessed for gestational age and weight. Patients were followed up daily till discharge or death. The outcome in terms of survival till discharge was recorded. Informed verbal consent from the caregiver was taken before enrolment. Results: A total of 60 VLBW neonates were enrolled in the study. Eight (13.3%) neonates had weights below 1000 grams and 52 (86.7%) had 1000-1499 grams. Five (8.3%) neonates had gestational age <28 weeks, 44 (73.3%) were 29-32 weeks, and 11(18.3%) were 33-36 weeks. Maternal age, place, and mode of delivery were significant contributory factors. In the present study, 35(59%) of VLBW babies expired; 100% of babies died below 1000 grams. Neonatal mortality showed an inverse relationship with birth weight and gestational age. Conclusion: Proper antenatal care should be encouraged throughout the country to prevent the neonatal mortality associated with VLBW infants. Management of labor is important and facilities for the management of high-risk pregnancy should be made available widely. Immediate management of newborns after birth can prevent the worst hospital outcomes in our country. The Journal of Ad-din Women's Medical College; Vol. 12 (2), July 2024; p 21-25

Impact of Inhouse Human Milk Bank on Neonatal Mortality and Morbidities in VLBW Neonates in an Extramural Unit: An Observational Study

Introduction: Human Milk is considered the ideal nutrition for all babies especially in preterm and in low birth-weight babies. When mother’s milk is not available, the WHO recommends Pasteurised Donor Human Milk (PDHM) as the next best infant feeding alternative. Methodology: This observational study was conducted in a tertiary level NICU in India to assess the impact of Human Milk Bank (HMB) on mortality and morbidities in VLBW and ELBW neonates. The primary outcome was to compare the incidence of definite and advanced NEC and secondary outcomes were to assess death, exclusive breastfeeding at discharge, feed interruption and growth in both the groups. Pre-Human Milk bank and Post-human Milk Bank data were collected for a period of 24 months each. Results: The incidence of Definite and Advanced NEC was significantly lower in Post-HMB group (2;1.76%) than in Pre-HMB (10; 9.4%) (p=0.00). 43.4% of babies in Pre-HMB group and 19.5% babies in post-HMB group had NEC (Any stage); p=0.00. Neonatal deaths were higher in the Pre-HMB group 32 (30.2%) than in post-HMB group 22 (19.5%); (p=0.066). The exclusive breastfeeding rate was significantly higher in the post-HMB group 72.6% as compared to 30.2% in the pre-HMB group (p=0.00). Feed interruptions were significantly lower in the post-HMB group 29 (25.7%) as compared to Pre-HMB group 56 (52.8%) (p=0.00). Time to reach full feeds was significantly lower in the post-HMB group Median (IQR) 13 (7.25 – 25.75) days as compared to 10 (5 – 17) days (p=0.007). Time to regain birth weight was significantly lower in the post-HMB group (14.72 + 5.61) as compared to pre-HMB group (11.00 + 4.19) (p=0.00) Conclusion: Establishment of Human Milk bank can be a worthwhile quality improvement project that NICUs can launch as part of comprehensive plans to enhance preterm care.

The Association Between Perinatal Pharmacologic Treatments and Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Propensity Score Matching Study

Background: The impact of perinatal pharmacologic agents on spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) in extremely low-birthweight (ELBW, <1000 g) preterm infants remains inconclusive based on findings from retrospective cohort or case–control studies. This study aims to address this uncertainty by using propensity score matching (PSM) to reduce bias. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed ELBW infants in our unit between 2014 and 2023 to identify SIP cases. Confirmed through medical notes, surgical consultation, and author review, each SIP case was matched at a 1:3 ratio using propensity scores on factors including the gestational age (GA), birthweight, gender, and birth year. Pharmacologic agents commonly given antenatally and postnatally were analyzed. Only medications that were started 24 h before the onset of SIP or the corresponding age (PSM-controls) were included. Results: A total of 858 ELBW infants were reviewed, 28 SIP cases (GA 25.3 ± 2.1 weeks, BW 735 ± 167 g) were identified, and 84 PSM-controls were matched. The SIP cases received hydrocortisone (25% (7/28) vs. 9.5% (8/84), p = 0.037) and combined inotropic agents (17.9% (5/28) vs. 2.4% (2/84), p = 0.020) to a significantly greater extent. No differences were observed in the use of other medications. In logistic regression, the use of hydrocortisone and combined inotropes remained independent risks for SIP, with ORs (95% CIs) of 3.4 (1.1–10.9) and 2.1 (1.2–3.8), respectively. Conclusions: This first PSM-based study supported postnatal hydrocortisone and combined inotrope use as independent risks for SIP in ELBW infants. Clinicians should be aware of these risks and remain vigilant for SIP when administering hydrocortisone and inotropes.

How low should we go? Outcomes of ECMO in neonates with low gestational age or birth weight.

Initial recommendations for ECMO had relative contraindications for low birth weight (BW) or low gestational age (GA) babies. However, more recent literature has demonstrated improved and acceptable outcomes of ECMO in smaller neonates. The purpose of this study was to understand both utilization and survival in patients with lower GA and BW. All neonates captured in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry who underwent a single ECMO run from 2009 to 2019 were included. The primary outcome measure was mortality and the secondary outcome measure was major adverse outcomes, defined as a composite outcome variable any severe ECMO complications. Univariate and multivariable statistical tests were performed to estimate the association between GA and BW with both outcome variables. A total of 14,167 cases met inclusion criteria. Univariate analysis noted that birth weight, gestational age, ECMO mode, pulmonary support type, pH and ventilator settings were highly significant predictors of survival. Multivariable assessment noted significant linear relationship of mortality rates with increasing GA and BW (p < 0.001, OR = 0.82 GA, 0.51 BW). The highest ECMO-related mortality was observed in neonates with GA 30-31weeks and BW 1.5-2.0kg, with a 70-75% in-hospital mortality rate. Decreasing GA and BW were strongly correlated with increasing odds of mortality and/or ECMO-related complications. However, even in low GA or BW neonates, survival may be possible in up to a quarter of patients put on ECMO.

Case-control study on long-term kidney outcomes in very low birth weight infants: impact of growth restriction and maternal preeclampsia.

To identify factors, particularly neonatal acute kidney injury, associated with an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) within the first 10 years of life in children with a history of prematurity and very low birth weight (VLBW). This nested case-control study was conducted on VLBW infants (> 500 g and < 1.500 g) born between 2012 and 2022. The population (n = 119) included children who developed CKD (n = 55) and controls with normal findings (n = 64). CKD was defined by abnormal blood pressure, reduced glomerular filtration rate, or elevated urinary albumin excretion. Data on neonatal and maternal factors were analyzed using logistic regression to identify predictors of CKD. Of the 267 eligible children 119 were included, with a median age of 32 months, and median gestational age and birth weight of 30 weeks and 1170 g, respectively. Children with CKD had lower birth weight Z-scores (-1.06 vs. -0.89), a higher occurrence of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) (72 % vs. 51 %), and an increased likelihood of maternal preeclampsia exposure. Maternal preeclampsia was identified as an independent predictor of CKD, associated with a 5 % increase in the odds of developing the condition (OR 1.05, 95 % CI 1.01-1.66). Maternal preeclampsia was associated with CKD in children with a history of VLBW. This finding highlights the importance of long-term follow-up and early identification of at-risk individuals.

Risk factors for early periventricular intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely low birth weight infants: a retrospective study

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the risk factors for early intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWIs) to provide guidance for early intervention, thereby improving survival rates and quality of life for these vulnerable infants.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 205 ELBWIs admitted to the Women and Children’s Medical Center of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2019 to December 2023. Standard head ultrasound screening (HUS) was used to assess the presence and severity of IVH on days 1–3 and 5–7 post-birth. Infants were categorized into either the IVH or non-IVH group based on HUS findings. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were employed to identify risk factors for IVH, and the efficacy of the model was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsAmong the 205 ELBWIs (97 males, 108 females), 82 (40%) developed IVH, with 26 (12.7%) classified as severe IVH and 56 (27.3%) as mild IVH. IVH within the first three days occurred in 51 of the 82 cases. Severe IVH was more prevalent in the lower gestational age groups: 40.0% in infants at 23 + 1 to 26 weeks, 10.7% in infants at 26 + 1 to 28 weeks, and 1.4% in infants at 28 + 1 to 32 weeks (p < 0.001).Logistic regression analysis revealed two independent risk factors: failure to withdraw invasive ventilation within the first week (OR = 3.276, 95% CI = 1.465–7.324, p = 0.004) and the use of vasoactive drugs within the first week (OR = 2.112, 95% CI = 1.002–4.451, p = 0.049). The ROC curve showed a sensitivity of 68.3%, specificity of 81.3%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.792.ConclusionThe incidence of IVH in ELBWIs is high, particularly within the first three days after birth. The use of vasoactive drugs and prolonged invasive ventilation are associated with increased risk, highlighting the need for careful management of respiratory and hemodynamic support in these infants.

ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICATORS OF THE MOTHER BEFORE PREGNANCY AS A FACTOR INFLUENCING THE WEIGHT OF THE NEWBORN

TITLE Influence of Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index on Birth Weight: Results of a Regional Retrospective Study AUTHORS E.M. Iutinsky, L.M. Zheleznov, S.A. Dvoryansky AFFILIATIONS Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Kirov State Medical University" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation ABSTRACT Background: Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) significantly influences birth weight and pregnancy outcomes. Low BMI may increase the risk of low birth weight infants, while high BMI is associated with fetal macrosomia and delivery complications. Investigating this relationship is crucial for developing regional standards and improving perinatal outcomes. Aim: To assess the influence of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI on birth weight based on regional data. Methods: A retrospective observational single-center study included 5,161 pregnant women. Participants were divided into three BMI groups: underweight (18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m²), and overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m²). Women with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) were excluded. Maternal anthropometric data and newborn weights were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey's test, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results: Significant differences in birth weights were found among BMI groups (p 0.001). Mean birth weights increased with higher maternal BMI: 3,050 ± 380 g (underweight), 3,300 ± 400 g (normal weight), and 3,550 ± 420 g (overweight). A moderate positive correlation was observed between maternal body weight and newborn weight (r = 0.32; p 0.001). Multiple linear regression indicated that maternal weight and height significantly affect newborn weight (p 0.001). Conclusion: Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI is a significant factor influencing birth weight. Monitoring and maintaining normal BMI before conception may improve perinatal outcomes.

Retinopathy of Prematurity and Neonatal Risk Factors: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a disease process mostly reported in preterm and Low Birth Weight (LBW) neonates. Early detection of ROP in these groups and identification of associated neonatal factors and their prevention can prevent wide range of visual morbidity from impairment of vision to blindness in later life. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of ROP and to identify neonatal risk factors for the development of ROP in preterm and LBW infants. Materials and methods: A total of 105 LBW infants weighing &lt;2000 gm and/or with a Gestational Age (GA) &lt;35 weeks and more mature and heavier neonates with eventful neonatal period were enrolled in the study.Infants were subjected to eye examinations at 4 (±1) weeks after birthby experienced ophthalmologist trained in ROP. Results: Out of 105 study population, ROP was found in 24 infants (22.9%):2 had stage 2 (25.0%), 17 had stage 3 (70.8%), 1 had stage 5 (4.2%) ROP. Two (8.4%) had Aggressive Posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity (APROP) and 3 (12.6%) had plus disease. On univariate analysis LBW, lower GA, female sex, apneic spell, sepsis, Prenatal Asphyxia (PNA) blood transfusion, longer duration of oxygen therapy and longer stay in hospital were found to be significant. On logistic regression analysis lower GA and female sex was found to be the independent factor for development of ROP. Conclusion: To control blindness due to ROP the study suggested that all preterm infants weighing £1500gm and the GA of £32 weeks should be screened at 4 weeks post-natal age. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.23 (1); January 2024; Page 4-8

Perinatal Outcomes of Teenage Mothers and Their Babies

Background: Teenage pregnancy is coming up as one of the most important social and public health problem in both developed and developing countries and has an increased risk of both maternal and fetal complications specially in developing countries like Bangladesh. The purpose of the study to determine the fetal and maternal outcomes of teenage mother in Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Chittagong Medical College Hospital for a period of six months from 10th October 2013 to 9th April 2014. One hundred teenage mothers (Aged 15-19 completed years at delivery) who got herself admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology were included in this study. Diagnosis was established by history, presenting complaints, physical examination, per-abdominal examination and per-vaginal examination who required. Complications during pregnancy and labour, postpartum complications and perinatal outcome were noted. Data were analyzed by SPSS-18. Results: During this study period, 60% mothers were in age group of 17-18 years. Most of the patients were primigravida (72%). Majority (56%) of patients were in no antenatal cheek up. Most of patients (75%) admitted at her gestational age (37 – 42 wk). Among them, maximum patients (44%) were delivered by caesarean section. Most of teenage mothers (64%) were suffered from various complications during pregnancy and labour like preterm labour (21.87%), prolonged labour (17.18%), anaemia (14.06%), obstructed labour (12.50%), gestational hypertension (7.81%), Urinary tract infection (7.81%), pre-eclampsia (4.68%) eclampsia (3.13%). 57%of teenage mothers suffered from postpartum complications including post-partum hemorrhage (21.05%), anaemia (17.54%), inadequate lactation (14.03%), postpartum eclampsia (10.53%), wound infection (10.53%), puerperal sepsis (5.26%), urinary tract infection (3.51%) and puerperal psychosis (3.51%). About 15% mothers delivered low birth weight babies, 93% of those were premature. 48% of babies were suffered from various complications. Among them, prematurity (29.17%), birth asphyxia (25%), neonatal jaundice (25%), sepsis (12.50%), congenital heart disease (4.17%), congenital anomalies (2.08%) and intra-uterine growth restriction (2.08% were common.43% babies needed hospital admission due to causes of birth asphyxia (27.90%), prematurity (25.58%), neonatal jaundice (23.25%), sepsis (13.95%), congenital heart disease (4.65%).Perinatal outcomes of teenage pregnancy was alive with resuscitation 38%, alive without resuscitation 54%, intra-uterine death 1%, stillbirth 2% and neonatal death 5%. Conclusion: Teenage means the youth of the population who are the future of the nation. So, more emphasis should be given on further reduction of teenage pregnancy Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.23 (1); January 2024; Page 56-60

The use of premedication for intubating very low birth weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: Results of a national survey.

To explore barriers and perspectives of premedication use for non-emergent intubations of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (less than 1,500 g). A cross-sectional, online survey was distributed from January to April 2023 to members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Of the 521 respondents, the majority (81%, n=415) were neonatologists. Over half of respondents (69%, n=359) consider patient weight when selecting premedication. Most providers (78%, n=407) agreed that premedication should be used for non-emergent intubation of VLBW infants, while only 41% (n=216) felt similarly that muscle relaxants should be used. For infants over 1,500 g, 43% (n=153) reported frequent or regular muscle relaxant use compared with 28% (n=101) for VLBW infants. The most cited barrier to muscle relaxant use was surfactant delivery with planned return to non-invasive support. Unit guidelines were associated with significantly more premedication and muscle relaxant use (56% vs. 44%; OR 5.2, 95% CI 3.4-7.7, p<0.0001). Most neonatal providers favor premedication for non-emergent intubation but are hesitant to use muscle relaxants for VLBW infants. Premedication guidelines may facilitate the use of both premedication and muscle relaxants for this population.

Feasibility of implementing family-integrated newborn care for hospitalised preterm and low birthweight infants in newborn care units of Ethiopia: a mixed-methods design

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of implementing family-integrated newborn care (FINC) for hospitalised preterm and low birthweight infants in Ethiopia. Despite the WHO’s call for family engagement in newborn care, evidence...

Intratracheal Administration of Budesonide with Surfactant for Prevention of Death or Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: A before-after Study.

Previous studies have suggested a potential role for inhaled corticosteroids, such as budesonide, in reducing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) among preterm infants. The objective of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of intratracheal administration of corticosteroid with surfactant on the composite outcome of death or BPD at 36 weeks in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. This before-after cohort study compared outcomes in ELBW infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who received intratracheal surfactant with budesonide to a historical cohort who received surfactant alone. Data were collected retrospectively for neonates in the surfactant group and prospectively for those receiving surfactant plus budesonide. A total of 385 ELBW infants were included. Death or BPD occurred in 123/203 (60.5%) in the surfactant with budesonide group versus 105/182 (57.6%) in the surfactant group; adjusted odds ratio 1.10 (95% CI: 0.69-1.75; p = 0.69). Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of the composite primary outcome (death or BPD at 36 weeks of postmenstrual gestational age), and its components, between the two study groups. In our study, coadministration of budesonide and surfactant was deemed safe and feasible among ELBW infants with RDS. However, we did not observe a significant reduction in the rates of composite or individual outcomes of death or BPD. Larger, randomized controlled trials are necessary to explore the potential advantages of this intervention. · Small clinical trials have shown promising benefits of intratracheal administration of budesonide with surfactant for improving respiratory outcomes in preterm infants.. · This before-after intervention study showed that intratracheal budesonide with surfactant was safe and feasible in ELBW infants.. · However, coadministration of budesonide and surfactant did not reduce the composite outcome of death or BPD in the study population..

Association between adverse perinatal events and postpartum depressive symptoms in a North American prospective preconception cohort study.

Identifying risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD) is critical to inform early intervention efforts. This study investigated the impact of adverse perinatal events on PPD. We analyzed data from the Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a North American prospective preconception cohort study. Participants (N = 3559) aged 21-45 years completed questionnaires at preconception, during pregnancy, and postpartum. PPD was assessed at six months postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). We fit generalized linear models to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of adverse perinatal events (preterm birth; birth size for gestational age; infant birthweight; and NICU admission) with PPD (EPDS score ≥ 13), adjusting for confounders including preconception mental health. A total of 9.8 % reported PPD. Preterm birth (i.e., <37 weeks gestational age; RR = 1.30; 95 % CI: 0.92, 1.82), particularly spontaneous preterm birth (RR = 1.38; 95 % CI: 0.90, 2.10), very preterm birth (<34 weeks; RR = 1.88; 95 % CI: 1.04, 3.35), very low infant birthweight (i.e., <1500 g; RR = 1.67, 95 % CI: 0.77, 3.60), and NICU admission (RR = 1.15; 95 % CI: 0.86, 1.55) were associated with increased PPD risk. Stratified analyses indicated preterm birth was more strongly associated with PPD among parous participants and participants with a history of mental health diagnoses. Adverse perinatal events were associated with an increased risk of PPD at 6 months postpartum. Early identification and management of depressive symptoms in those who have experienced adverse perinatal events are crucial for improving both parental and infant health outcomes.

Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: Hope for the Preterm Low Birth Weight Babies with Respiratory Distress

Abstract not available Jalalabad Med J 22; 19(1): 3-5

How does donor human milk compare with formula in preventing severe bowel disorders and associated morbidity and mortality in preterm, very preterm, or very low-birthweight infants when sufficient maternal milk is not available?

How does donor human milk compare with formula in preventing severe bowel disorders and associated morbidity and mortality in preterm, very preterm, or very low-birthweight infants when sufficient maternal milk is not available?

Evaluating the nutritional status of preterm very low birth weight infants at discharge: a prospective cohort study

Evaluating the nutritional status of preterm very low birth weight infants at discharge: a prospective cohort study

ASSESSMENT OF UNIVERSAL NEONATAL HEARING SCREENING: OUTCOMES AND PREVALENCE AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Objective: Early detection of hearing impairment through Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening (UNHS) is crucial for timely intervention. This study assesses the outcomes and prevalence of hearing loss in neonates screened at a tertiary care center. Methods: This prospective observational study involved 1175 neonates born at SDM Medical College and Hospital between December 2019 and November 2020. Neonates underwent initial and, if necessary, repeat hearing screenings using the Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) technique. Data on gender and birth weight distribution were also analyzed to explore demographic correlations with screening outcomes. Results: Of the neonates screened, 99.40% passed the initial hearing test, while 0.60% were referred for further evaluation. Among those referred, 71.43% passed on repeat screening, with 28.57% continuing to show potential hearing issues. The majority of neonates weighed over 2.5 kg, indicating a lower presence of very low birth weight infants in the screened population. Conclusion: The high pass rate in initial screenings demonstrates the effectiveness of the OAE method in a tertiary care setting, though the importance of follow-up testing for those referred remains critical. The study highlights the successful implementation of UNHS and underscores the need for continuous monitoring and adaptation of screening protocols to address all potential risks in neonatal hearing loss.

Impact of Omega-3 Enriched Lipid Emulsions on Retinopathy of Prematurity in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

To assess the effects of ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA)-enriched lipid emulsions (SMOFlipid) vs. traditional soybean oil-based lipid emulsions (Intralipid) on the occurrence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants with very low birth weight (VLBW). In this retrospective cohort study, 301 VLBW infants who received either SMOFlipid or Intralipid for a minimum of 14 d were included. The main outcome measured was the frequency and severity of ROP, with secondary outcomes covering other complications associated with preterm birth. Of the infants studied, 180 were administered SMOFlipid, while 121 received Intralipid. The incidence of ROP was notably lower in the SMOFlipid group (32.8% vs. 45.5%; RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36-0.94; P = 0.026). Additionally, the occurrence of severe ROP was reduced by 66.06% in infants given SMOFlipid (5.6% vs. 16.5%; RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.13-0.66; P = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression suggested that using SMOFlipid was linked to a reduced risk of both ROP (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.24-0.82; P = 0.010) and severe ROP (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.03-0.30; P < 0.001). There were no considerable differences noted in other complications associated with preterm birth between the two groups. Compared to Intralipid, SMOFlipid treatment reduced both the risk and severity of ROP. Parenteral supplementation with fish oil-containing emulsions might offer a novel approach to lowering the incidence and severity of ROP in VLBW infants.

Chromium-free parenteral nutrition and its effects on chromium levels in very low birth weight infants

Chromium-free parenteral nutrition and its effects on chromium levels in very low birth weight infants