Nutrition Management of the Premature Infant Melissa Nash, MPH, RD Washington County Field Team melissa_nash@co.washington.or.us Objectives 1. 2. 3. 4. Describe appropriate growth in premature infants, including growth charts. Describe current practices for feeding and supplementation for premature infants. Understand how to better support the breastfeeding premature infant. Recognize potential feeding problems and solutions in premature infants. Newborn Classifications LBW: Low Birth Weight <2500g (5 1/2 lbs) VLBW: Very Low Birth Weight <1500g (3 1/3 lbs) ELBW: Extremely Low Birth Weight <1000g (2 1/4 lbs) Preterm: <37 weeks GA Late Preterm: 34 0/7 – 36 6/7 weeks GA Typical Feeding Progression Gestational Age (Weeks) 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Pacifier Sucking (non-nutritive suck) 33 34 35 36 37 38 Gag Reflex Rooting Reflex Early Intermediate Mature Coordinate Suck, Nutritive Suck Swallow, Breathe TPN for 1-2 weeks as enteral Gradually start breast/ feeds advance via tube bottle per infant cues Infant nippling all feeds Post-Discharge Premature Infant Nutritional Issues Switch from ‘super-milks’ to standard milk Slower growth in follow-up Neonatal period critical for ‘programming’ of development and health Limited information/research on postdischarge nutrition The Underlying Question… “Do you want a smart, tall, fat adult who will die prematurely of cardiovascular disease or a dumb, short, thin adult who will outlive the other?” Richard Schandler, MD Neonatalogist Developmental Origins of Health & Disease “Fetal Programming” Under-nutrition during pg & LBW are strongly associated with HTN, obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia later in life Combination of poor growth & rapid catch-up weight may increase risk Additional research is needed to determine when catch-up growth is “excess growth” What does the research say? Weight Gain & Growth Feeding a post-discharge formula (PDF) for 9-12 months following discharge results in improved wt, lt, & HC Greatest results in infants <1250-1500g Greater results in males vs. females Long-term developmental advantages inconclusive What does the research say? Bone Mineral Content (BMC) BMC higher in premies receiving a PDF for 9 months post-discharge Highest Ca formulas = greatest BMC Chan, J Pediatr 1993;123:439-43 Bishop, Arch Dis Child;1993:573-8 Carver, Pediatr 2001;107:683-689 Cooke, Pediatr Res 2001;49:717-722 Morley, Am J Clin 2001;71:822-8 Growth Charts Recommended growth charts: 2013 Fenton growth charts from birth to ~50 wks WHO growth charts from term to 24 months CDC growth charts from 24 months to 18 yrs old Fenton Growth Grids http://ucalgary.ca/fenton/2013chart Why should we use the updated Fenton charts? Boys chart Solid lines = 2013 Dashed lines = 2003 Growth Assessment Start with correct growth parameters Growth parameter Term3 mo CA 3-6 mo CA Weight Gain ~6-8 oz/wk ~4 oz/wk Length Gain ~1 cm/wk ~0.5 cm/wk HC Gain ~0.5 cm/wk ~0.2 cm/wk Corrected Age Use corrected age for all premature infants <37 weeks until 24 months when assessing: Growth Nutritional needs Feeding (solids, cow’s milk) Developmental milestones First Choice Formulas for Premies: Post-Discharge Formula Post-Discharge (transitional) formulas Enfamil Enfacare* Similac Neosure* Good Start Nourish* *WIC provides with an Rx Provide add’l vits & nutrients: Ca, Phos & Pro Whey-dominate, less lactose, 20% MCT oil Provide add’l calories: 22 vs. 20 kcal/oz May be mixed to 24 or 27 kcal/oz May be used to fortify EMM to 22, 24, 27 kcal/oz Second Choice Formulas for Premies: Term Formulas Standard Term Formulas Enfamil Premium Good Start Gentle; Good Start Protect Similac Advance (WIC) Reduced/No Lactose and/or Partially Hydrolyzed Enfamil Gentlease Good Start Sooth, GS Gentle, GS Protect Similac Sensitive, Similac Total Comfort (19 kcal/oz) Uses: GI upset, constipation, lactose sensitivity Provides 20 kcal/oz Can fortify EMM or be prepared to 22, 24, 27 kcal/oz Contraindicated Formulas for Premies: Soy Formula AAP does not recommend soy formula for preterm infants born <1800g Lower serum albumin levels High amts of phytates Lower levels of markers for bone formation Risks for aluminum toxicity Concerns w/ disruption of thyroid fct, suppression of testosterone, & phytoestrogen-like effect Examples: Isomil & Prosobee (WIC) Bhatia, Pediatrics 2008;121:1062 Contraindicated Formulas for Premies: Thickened Formulas These “reflux” formulas contain rice starch with thicken upon entering the stomach. Contraindicated for premature infants <38 weeks GA due to risk of the formation of lactobezoars (hard clumps of undigested milk curds) Examples: Enfamil AR* & Similac for Spit-Up* *Available thru WIC w/ Rx EMM & Formula Comparison Values Per 100ml Term EMM 20 kcal EMM + Enfacare Enfacare 24 kcal/oz 24 kcal/oz 80 80 Enfamil 20 kcal Calories 68 68 Pro, G 1 1.36 2.3 1.4 Ca, mg 28 44 97 53 Phos, mg 15 24 53 29 Iron, mg 0.04 0.3 1.4 1.2 Breastfeeding the Premature Infant “The potent benefits of human milk are such that all preterm infants should receive human milk.” “Human milk should be fortified, with protein, minerals, and vitamins to ensure optimal nutrient intake for infants weighing <1500 g at birth.” Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, Pediatrics 2012; 129:e827 In general, the smaller infant, the higher the nutritional needs & the longer they may need fortification. Breastfeeding the Preterm Infant There are several significant short & long-term benefits to feeding a preterm infant human milk: ↓ rates of sepsis & NEC Fewer hospital readmissions ↑ intelligence thru adolescents ELBW infants fed ↑ of human milk show significantly ↑ scores for mental, motor, & behavior ratings at ages 18 months and 30 months • Even after adjusting for cofounders • Outcomes assoc. w/ predominant human milk, not exclusive Lower rates of metabolic syndrome Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, Pediatrics 2012;129:e827 Goals for Breastfeeding the Premature Infant Promote adequate wt gain, including catch-up Ensure good nutritional status Maintain & increase breast milk supply Sustain or improve feedings at the breast Limit bottle & formula feedings Guidelines for Initiating & Maintaining Milk Supply First 2-3 weeks Use hand expression & compression w/ pumping http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/HandExpression.html Pump w/ double electric pump Empty breasts at every pumping Pump q 2-3 hrs/day & 1x/night (not to exceed 4 hrs) Pump 7-10x/24 hours while establishing supply After first 2-3 weeks (if adequate milk supply) Pump q 4hr/day & 1x/night (not to exceed 5 hrs) Pump 6-8x/24 hours Ideas for Increasing Milk Supply Increase skin-to-skin contact Ensure adequate fluid intake Ensure optimal pump and/or flange Increase frequency of pumping, up to 10x/d Use breast massage/compression while pumping Discuss ways to decrease tension Try power or cluster pumping Discuss use of galactagogues/meds w/ LC Breastfeeding the Premature Infant The ability to BF is multi-factorial, depends on: MOB’s milk supply & willingness to pump Birth weight & gestational age Complexity of NICU course Infant maturity Breastfeeding the Premature Infant Typical plan of BF premature infant at discharge: BF 2x/d (with time limit) Offer bottle of fortified EMM q feeding Give MVI w/ iron daily MOB pumps q feeding Breastfeeding the Premature Infant Progression of BF plan: Add one additional BF q week Consider nipple shield Cont. to offer fortified bottles q feeding & after BF Give 1 ml MVI w/ iron daily MOB to continue to pump at q feeding & after BF until at least 40-44 weeks GA Support, support, support!!! Breastfeeding the Premature Infant Evaluation of readiness to reduce fortification: Ability to sustain growth Ability to sustain appropriate ad lib milk intake Lab values are WNL (ck’d one mo postdischarge) Methods to decrease fortification: 1. Decrease by 2 bottles q 4-6 days or 2. Drop fort bottles at night * Check weight WEEKLY during transition Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation If infant is primarily on: What supplements are recommended? When can the supplements be stopped? Breastmilk (Unfortified or Fortified) 1 ml daily infant MVI with iron OR 1ml daily infant MVI without iron + separate iron supplement Continue until 12 mo corrected age Iron-Fortified Formula 0.5 ml daily infant MVI without iron Stop when intake reaches ~ 32 oz/d *Poly vitamin = A, C, D, E, B vitamins + iron? *Tri vitamin = A, C, D + iron? Osteopenia of Prematurity Condition of decreased bone density in premature, LBW infants. Characterized by low Ca, low P, and high ALP Risk for bone fractures & growth stunting Osteopenia of Prematurity Risk factors: VLBW infants (<1500 g) Any IUGR infant with a BW <1800g Infants with CLD or BPD Infants requiring long-term TPN (>4 weeks) Infants on certain meds that affect mineral absorption Infants starting feeds of unfortified breastmilk or standard/soy formula Osteopenia of Prematurity Indications for reassessment of bone labs: 1 mo post discharge for infants w/ BW <1500g 1 mo post discharge if any labs at discharge were abnormal An infant <3 mo CA who is transitioning to breast or term formula Infant with marginal intake & slow growth Osteopenia of Prematurity Some very small premature infants gain weight well while taking only breastmilk, despite having abnormal bone labs. Tribasic: Ca/P supplement Standard dose is 1/8 tsp BID, up to TID Bone labs should be monitored q 4-6 wks while on Tribasic Infant continues w/ Tribasic for 2-3 mo while EBF Late Preterm Infant Infants born between 34 0/7 – 36 6/7 weeks GA Birth weights ~ 2000-3000g (4 ½ -6 ½ lbs) No current recommendations for additional nutrient requirements, besides a multivitamin. At risk of inadequate nutrient intake due to: Immature gastrointestinal function Immature neural function Lower stamina Lower oral-motor tone Late Preterm Infants Breastfeeding: Many discharged home before MOB’s milk supply established Late preterms may not be able to provide enough stimulation to bring in adequate supply MOB will usually have to pump after BF for several weeks to ensure adequate supply Infants can EBF, BF + bottle of EMM, BF + bottle of fortified EMM to 22-24 kcal/oz Offer MVI until 12 mo CA Late Preterm Infants Formula Feeding: Offer TERM infant formula Offer MVI until volume reaches 32 oz/d May start/increase to 22-24 kcal/oz if infant unable to consume enough volume to provide adequate growth. Usually need inc. calories for first month. Feeding Progression/Solids Feeding recommendations for premature infants should be based on corrected age: Breastmilk/formula until at least 12 mo CA Solids may be introduced between 4-6 mo CA (based on developmental stage & feeding skill) Withhold cow’s milk until 12 mo CA Common Concerns in the Premature Infant Constipation Spit-up &/or GERD Inadequate weight gain Rapid weight gain Constipation in the Premature Infant Stools that are dry, hard & difficult to pass, independent of frequency Causes/Assessment: Immature GI tract Medications Inadequate fluid intake Calorie-dense formulas Improper formula preparation Transitioning from breastmilk to formula Early intro to cereals in bottle Neurological delays Constipation – Feeding Plan Maximize breastmilk Warm bath, infant massage, bicycle movements Iron: Iron supplements may cause constipation Check hematocrit -if formula is meeting iron needs & hct is WNL: Switch to MVI w/o iron Juice (if infant is >40 weeks): Mix ½ oz prune, pear or apple juice with ½ oz water Start 1 oz diluted jc qod, inc to 1 oz diluted jc qd prn Max 1 oz full-strength jc qd Constipation – Feeding Plan If taking PDF mixed >24 kcal/oz: Decrease from 27 kcal/oz to 24 kcal/oz to 22 kcal/oz If infant BW >1500-1800g & if gaining weight well, consuming good vol, and nutritional needs met: D/C fortifier & offer 100% breastmilk Change to routine term formula Always check wt gain/intake wkly after making change If infant BW <1500g & <3 mo CA: Talk w/ RD who has experience with premature infants Always check bone labs before making a formula change If constipation continues, talk to MD re: stool softeners Spit-up and/or GERD in the Premature Infant Assessment: Assess weight gain Assess nipple flow Assess feeding behaviors and positioning Back arching? Volume in bottle slowly increasing or decreasing? Volume of spit-up Parental concerns Spit-up and/or GERD in the Premature Infant Feeding Plan: Parental reassurance if growth ok Smaller, more frequent feeds Keep upright for 20 min after a feeding Educate on proper positioning No solids in bottle Limited use of added starch formula & only if > 40 wks CA Reflux meds needed? Poets, Pediatr 2004;112:212-217 Carroll, Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2002;156:109-11 Lightdale, Pediatr 2013; 131:1684-95 Inadequate Weight Gain the Premature Infant in Assessment: Infrequent bottle feeding (> Q 3-4 hr) Improper mixing formula/fortifying EMM Lower kcal/oz formula Easily exhausted or not interested in breast, bottle Slow nipple flow on bottle, tight suction on cap Minimal BF skills Constipation affecting volume consumed GERD affecting volume consumed Neurological delays & limited coordination Recent illness Inadequate Weight Gain in the Premature Infant Feeding Plan: Observe feeding, trial of nipples If trying to transition to breast, make sure baby is offered bottle after BF, put time-limit on BF Switch to 24-27 kcal/oz Calculate catch-up needs Give parents a goal intake volume • Parents to keep diary for 2 weeks Weekly weight checks Discuss plan w/ MD Rapid Weight Gain in the Premature Infant Assessment: Improperly mixing formula Improperly fortifying EMM Large volumes consumed Feeding schedule vs. hunger cues Cereals in bottle After successful BF reached, cont. to offer bottle after BF Rapid Weight Gain in the Premature Infant Feeding Plan: Discuss feeding cues & volumes w/ family Switch kcal level down • 27-24-22 kcal/oz If >1500g-2000g BW & if growth ok: • Switch to term formula If <1500 BW & if growth ok, ck bone labs: • If WNLs, switch to term formula; re-ck labs in 1 mo • If abnormal, continue w/ PDF & re-ck labs in 1 mo Coordination of Care Family Pediatrician Nurses: PMD office & PHN Dietitians: NICU, out-patient, WIC Lactation consultants Neurodevelopmental/ Feeding clinic Get involved! Nutrition Practice Care Guidelines for Preterm Infants in the Community http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyPeopleFamilies/WIC/Pages/index.aspx Click on “For Medical Providers” Double click on “Nutrition Practice Care Guidelines…” OR Click on “For Oregon WIC Staff” on left-side column Click on “WIC Staff Resources” Scroll down to “Nutrition Information” header Double-click on “Nutrition Guidelines: Preterm Infants” & “Oregon Appendix”