The present study sought to examine the association between an infant’s anthropometric outcomes with maternal Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Alternate Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P) scores during the third trimester of pregnancy. This prospective cohort study was applying 130 pregnant women, at the pregnancy training center in west Tehran, Iran (November 2020 to July 2021). The maternal dietary intake, and body mass index (BMI), and social economic level were evaluated. The data about birth weight, birth height, head circumference, and, gestational age at birth were extracted from each child’s health records. The ultimate sample included 122 (93.8%) pairs of women/newborn children. The participants, mean age was 28.13 ± 4.66 years with gestational age between 28 to 40 weeks and the mean of BMI was 24.62 ± 3.51. Our outcomes, after adjustment for confounding factors, suggested that those newborn infants in the highest quartile of maternal DII score had a significantly lower weight (p < 0.001) and height (p = 0.05), in comparison to those in the lowest quartile, but not head circumference (p = 0.18). Moreover, after adjustment for confounding factors, results suggested that those newborn infants in the First quartile of maternal AHEI-P score had a significantly lower weight (p = 0.018) and, in comparison to those in the higher quartile. It appears that newborn infants with lower maternal DII and higher AHEI-P scores may have a better anthropometric outcome. Further longitudinal and in-depth qualitative and quantitative studies, with a longer-term follow-up, is warranted to support the integrity of our outcomes.
Citations
Adequate nutrition is extremely crucial for the growth and development of preterm, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants owing to an increased risk of postnatal growth failure and poor neurodevelopmental outcome. Despite the beneficial properties of human milk (HM), it should be fortified to prevent extrauterine growth restriction; however, fortification of HM with a bovine-based human milk fortifier (BHMF) may induce feeding intolerance (FI) and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm newborns. Herein, we have described the nutritional management of a preterm SGA newborn with intolerance to BHMF. A male infant was born at a gestational age of 32 weeks and 5 days, SGA weighing 1,490 grams (< 10th percentile). During BHMF use, he presented with symptoms of FI including abdominal distention, increased gastric residuals, and delayed enteral feeding advancement. Therefore, HM was fortified with carbohydrate powder, whey protein powder, and medium-chain triglycerides oil instead of BHMF to prevent FI and promote weight gain. Caloric density of feeds was increased once every 3 or 4 days by approximately 5 kcal/kg/day until an intake of 100 kcal/kg/day was achieved. Subsequently, his caloric and protein intake increased, growth rate improved, and full enteral feeding was achieved without any further symptom of FI. In conclusion, the symptoms of FI with BHMF in a preterm SGA neonate improved with the administration of a macronutrient fortified HM without compromising his enteral feed advancements, growth rate, and energy or protein intake.
Citations
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is closely related to respiratory issues. We reported the case about the nutrition intervention given to a male infant with congenital bronchomalacia, GERD, and recurrent pneumonia. During the first and second pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stays, his nutrition status and nutrient intake were good. However, during the 18 days of the third PICU admission, his nutrient intake decreased to 75%–80% of his estimated calorie requirement and his Z-score for weight-for-age dropped to −1.4. We conducted nutritional interventions to improve GERD symptoms and nutritional status include avoiding overfeeding by feeding small amounts frequently, using a pre-thickened formula mixed with a high-calorie formula, and feeding through transpyloric tube. As a result, his daily nutrient intakes gradually increased and his Z-score for weight-for-age was normal. In conclusion, it is important to implement individualized intensive nutritional management to ensure adequate nutrition and growth status in infants with lung disease and GERD.