Authors (including presenting author) :
Kan YMI, Kwok HC, Leung HSG
Affiliation :
Dietetic Department
Introduction :
Late preterm infants are born at a gestational age between 34 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days. Although, these infants may be born at a similar size to term infants, they are less mature and increase risk of morbidity than term infants, leading to a longer hospital stay and higher medical cost. They also experienced undesirable weight gain due to poor oral feeding. Breastmilk is the best choice for preterm infants. However, nutrition needs of some preterm infants cannot met solely with breast milk, they may benefit from fortification of breast milk with infant formula. If it is not available, post-discharge nutrient enriched formula ( PDNEF) is recommended.
Objectives :
To provide nutrition for late preterm infants to meet their increase nutrient requirement for achieving optimal growth.
Methodology :
Preterm infants born at gestation <37 weeks and Birth weight <2.2 kg were recruited to Peri-discharge program (PDP) in Neonatal unit , Prince of Wales Hospital. Dietitians conducted nutrition assessment. Those patients with suboptimal weight gain either fortified breast milk with infant formula or fed with PDNEF to meet their nutrients needs at ward. They continued breast milk fortifications or PDNEF when they discharged home. Regular outpatient follow up were arranged.
Result & Outcome :
During the period of 1 April 2021 to 31 December 2022, 101 patients were recruited in this study. The average birth weight was 1.6kg. The mean age were 1.1 month and 3.9 months at first consultation and last follow up respectively. Average follow up frequency was 3.4 times. Mean weight increase from 2.2 kg (first consultation) to 4.8 kg (last follow up). Percentage of patient with body weight less than or equal to 10 percentile were decreased from 70.3% to 20.8% over the intervention period. Breast milk fortification facilitates growth for late preterm infants upon discharge.
