Intake and growth in late preterms

Moderately preterm infants (gestational age 32-36 weeks) show impaired growth and increased morbidities such as behavioural problems and developmental delays compared to term infants. They have not been routinely followed and it has been thought that they were at a relatively low risk of developing neurological abnormalities. There are no prospective studies performed in these infants to determine whether suboptimal intakes in feeding and impaired growth might play a role in these morbidities.

The first objective is to prospectively determine the intake of protein, fat, carbohydrates and calories from birth to the age of 2 years and correlate them with the postnatal growth until the age of 2 years. The second objective is to determine the motor and mental development in these infants by correlating the intake and growth to a Bayley Scales of Infant development (BSID-III) which is used to determine developmental delays in extremely preterm infants. The third objective is to determine whether the intake and growth in the first 2 years of life influences the body composition.

Moderately preterm infants (gestational age 32-36 weeks) show impaired growth and increased morbidities such as behavioural problems and developmental delays compared to term infants. They have not been routinely followed and it has been thought that they were at a relatively low risk of developing neurological abnormalities. There are no prospective studies performed in these infants to determine wheter suboptimal intakes in feeding and/or impaired growth play a role in these morbidities.

The study will be an open, non-therapeutic exploratory study. The intake of fat, protein and calories win be collected in all infants born 32-36 weeks at or transferred to the neonatology ward of the Northwest Hospital Group in Alkmaar . The data of actual intake will be collected daily during the stay at the Neonatology ward of the Northwest Hospital Group in Alkmaar and the growth data will be collected during the weekly feeding round that is performed at the Neonatology ward. When infants are discharged, they will be followed at the Outpatient ward of the Northwest Hospital Group in Alkmaar at age term, 6 weeks corercted age, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years corrected age. The data will be anonymously imported in a data base.

The study will be an open, non-therapeutic exploratory study. The intake of fat, protein and calories will be collected in all infants born 32-36 weeks born or transferred to the neonatology ward of the Northwest Hospital Group in Alkmaar that are being followed at the Northwest Hospital Group Outpatient Clinic in Alkmaar. Prospective data on intake and growth will be collected as routine assessment until the age of 2 years. At the age of 2 years, a developmental test (BSID III) and a body composition measurement by using stable isotopes (single labeled water method) will be performed in the subjects whom parents consented.