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Discussion 4: Nutrition update

Journal of Perinatology volume 27, page S83 (2007)Cite this article

Q:What are the practical aspects (i.e., birth weight, gestational age, etc.) of selecting which patients should receive supplementation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)?

A: Dr Bhatia: The primary criteria should be birth weight, not gestational age. If the patient is less than 1800 g, then premature infant formula is recommended. Alternatively, in breast-fed neonates, fortified breast milk should be administered for at least three months, preferably up to nine months. Owing to the difficulties associated with supplementation from the parent's standpoint, if by three months, the baby is growing above the 25th percentile, supplementation may be discontinued if it is deemed a hardship to continue.

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Drs Bhatia, Young and Adamkin

Moderated and edited by: Dr Bhatia

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Discussion 4: Nutrition update. J Perinatol 27 (Suppl 1), S83 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211714

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