Resting energy expenditure and metabolic parameters in small for gestational age moderately preterm infants.

Bauer J, Masin M, Brodner K

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to analyze resting energy expenditure (REE), hormonal parameters and lipid profile in small for gestational age (SGA) moderately preterm infants compared to their appropriate for gestational age (AGA) counterparts in the first week after birth.REE was measured in all participants using indirect calorimetry. Blood samples of all infants were collected at the same study point together with indirect calorimetry measurements.A total of 32 infants including 16 preterm infants born SGA and 16 AGA preterm neonates were recruited for the study, with a mean gestational age of 35 ± 1 weeks in both groups. REE values in the SGA group were significantly increased compared to the AGA group data after birth (p < 0.002). Low-density lipoprotein levels from the AGA group were significantly higher (p = 0.002) when compared to the SGA infants. No other clinical differences in hormonal parameters, lipid profile or blood pressure levels were identified between the two groups.In addition to low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation is associated with a statistically significant increase in REE in SGA moderately premature infants shortly after birth, which requires further investigation when establishing nutritional recommendations in this cohort.