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Preliminary results of a clinical trial of intravenous feeding of premature infants of birth weight 1050g or less
Author(s) -
MacMAHON R.A.,
JAMES B.E.,
NAM D.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.1975.tb02303.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gestation , pediatrics , diuresis , birth weight , premature newborn , clinical trial , low birth weight , pregnancy , renal function , genetics , biology
Successful intravenous feeding of premature infants born at 26–30 weeks gestation is possible, and may be a significant factor in reducing mortality and morbidity. This paper presents the results of treatment of the first 6 infants in a continuing study of infants of birth weight 1050 g or less, fed totally intravenously. The solutions infused tend to produce an osmotic diuresis in small sick infants, but this can be controlled by careful monitoring. At present, complete intravenous feeding of very small premature infants should only be on a clinical trial basis in units with experience of intravenous feeding. We believe that the high mortality rate of this group is an example of rapid exhaustion of key substrate stores rather than an immaturity of systems.