Relationships of Early Parenteral Nutrition and Human Milk Fortification on the Growth of Neonates With Birth Weights Between 1500 and 1750 g

ABSTRACT Introduction Low‐birthweight infants have high nutrient requirements; however, early parenteral nutrition (EPN) and human milk fortification (HF) are provided in very low‐birthweight infants. We changed the indications for EPN and HF from very low birth weight to birth weight < 1750 g in our hospital in April 2019. Aim This study aimed to assess the growth and neurodevelopmental relationships in infants with birth weights between 1500 and 1750 g, with or without EPN and HF. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the medical records of infants with birth weights between 1500 and 1750 g from April 2016 to March 2022, who were divided into two groups: before and after the change in indication. Results EPN and HF promoted head circumference expansion during hospitalization. However, no relationships on growth were noted after hospital discharge. Furthermore, no difference in the incidence of complications was observed among the preterm infants, and relatively few adverse events associated with EPN and HF led to safe nutritional management. Conclusion For infants with birth weights between 1500 and 1750 g, EPN and HF may improve short‐term growth, but may not have an impact in the long term.