Growth of Head Circumference and Body Length in Preterm Infants Receiving a Multicomponent vs a Soybean-Based Lipid Emulsion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Early Optimal Parenteral Nutrition During NICU Stay and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants: State of the Art

BACKGROUND

Preterm infants (PIs) are more susceptible to neurodevelopmental impairment compared with term newborns. Adequate postnatal growth has been associated with improved neurocognitive outcomes; therefore, optimization of nutrition may positively impact the neurodevelopment of PIs.

OBJECTIVE

This study focused on macronutrient parenteral nutrition (PN) intake during the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stay and their associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes in PIs in the first two years of life.

METHODS

The Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the following subject headings and terms (MeSH): "premature infants", "parenteral nutrition", "growth", "brain", "neurodevelopment", and "central nervous system diseases". All relevant papers' reference lists were manually searched. PN and neurodevelopment studies concerning the first two years of life were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

275 potential studies were retrieved, 64 were selected for full-text reading, and 22 were included (12 randomized controlled trials). While glucose intakes should be immediately provided and strictly monitored avoiding hyperglycemia, the long-term outcomes of aggressive PN caloric intakes are uncertain. Early amino acid (AA) supplementation is mandatory and improves short-term growth, though it is questionable whether increased AA and better neurodevelopment are directly related. Lipid infusion should be initiated right after birth, and further investigation will enable us to ascertain the potential impacts of lipid emulsions, particularly fish oil, on PI neurodevelopment.

CONCLUSIONS

An aggressive PN and its possible metabolic complication could not favor neurodevelopment; the way forward could be a customized approach, depending on the patient's clinical state and tolerance. Long-term follow-up studies and the search for specific markers of tolerance are warranted.

Safety and Efficacy of a Composite Lipid Emulsion with Fish Oil in Hospitalized Neonates and Infants Requiring Prolonged Parenteral Nutrition - A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Intravenous lipids are critical to the care of extremely premature and other high-risk infants.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated safety and efficacy of parenteral nutrition (PN) with composite intravenous lipid emulsion (CO-ILE) with fish oil compared with pure soybean oil lipid emulsion (SOLE).

METHODS

Randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter study (NCT02579265) in neonates/infants anticipated to require ≥28 d of PN due to gastrointestinal malformations or injury. Duration of the initial and extended treatment phase was 28 d and 84 d, respectively (for patients with PN indication after day 28).

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients (mean postnatal age 11.4 d, 54 preterm) received CO-ILE and 78 patients received SOLE (mean postnatal age 8.3 d, 59 preterm). Thirty-three patients per group completed 28 d of treatment. Risk of having conjugated bilirubin values >2 mg/dL confirmed by a second sample 7 d after the first during the initial treatment phase (primary outcome) was 2.4% (2 of 83) with CO-ILE and 3.8% (3 of 78) with SOLE (risk ratio: 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09, 3.76). Between days 29 and 84, the number of patients with confirmed conjugated bilirubin values >2 mg/dL did not increase in the CO-ILE group (n = 2) and increased in the SOLE group (n = 9). At the end of the initial treatment phase, conjugated bilirubin concentrations were 45.6% lower under CO-ILE than under SOLE (P = 0.006). There was no clinical or laboratory evidence of essential fatty acid deficiency in patients in the CO-ILE group. Median time to discharge alive was 56.7 d and 66.4 d with CO-ILE and SOLE, respectively (hazard ratio: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.81, 1.68).

CONCLUSIONS

CO-ILE was associated with a possible lower risk of cholestasis and significantly lower conjugated bilirubin concentration at the end of the initial treatment phase in high-risk neonates and infants as compared with patients treated with SOLE. In summary, these data indicate that CO-ILE can be considered safe and may be preferable over SOLE in high-risk neonates. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02579265.

Impact of SMOFlipid on Clinical Outcomes in Neonates Receiving Parenteral Nutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Aims/Background Neonatal morbidity, including various diseases such as sepsis, cholestasis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), is a significant concern, especially in preterm infants. Selecting the appropriate lipid emulsion in parenteral nutrition (PN) is essential to improve clinical outcomes. This analysis aimed to assess the impact of a novel composite lipid emulsion, SMOFlipid, on neonates receiving PN. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted. We compared SMOFlipid to various other lipid emulsions in PN received by infants. Research findings that addressed outcomes such as mortality, sepsis, cholestasis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), BPD, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and length of hospital stay were included. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on gestational age (GA). Twenty RCTs involving 1904 neonates were included. Results Compared to other lipid emulsions, SMOFlipid significantly reduced the cholestasis risk (risk ratio (RR): 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48-0.87, p = 0.004, I2 = 0%). However, the incidence related to IVH, BPD, ROP, NEC, and PDA (excluding an infant subgroup with GA <28 weeks), mortality, sepsis, and duration of hospital stay did not exhibit any substantial variations. The subgroup analysis indicated a decline in PDA incidence (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79-0.99, p = 0.04, I2 = 0%) among extremely premature infants receiving SMOFlipid. Conclusion SMOFlipid offers a promising option for neonatal PN, particularly for reducing cholestasis in preterm infants and PDA in extremely premature infants. Further investigations into its comprehensive benefits and long-term effects are warranted.

Association between SMOFlipid and impaired brain development on term-equivalent age brain magnetic resonance imaging in very preterm infants

Soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil (SMOFlipid) is used without evidence of benefits. We investigated the relationship between lipid emulsions and brain injury in term-equivalent age magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 148 very preterm infants with a birth weight of < 1500 g at ≤ 32 gestational weeks in a neonatal intensive care unit. Infants who received soybean-based lipid emulsions between January 2015 and December 2018 were compared with those who received SMOFlipids between January 2019 and December 2022. A negative binomial generalized linear model was applied for bivariate analysis. Modified log-Poisson regression with generalized linear models and a robust variance estimator (Huber-White) were applied to adjust for potential confounders. The Kidokoro score was used to determine if lipid emulsion type would affect brain morphology and growth at term-equivalent age. Eighty-six (58.9%) received SMOFlipid. SMOFlipid was associated with lower focal signal abnormality, myelination delay, increased extracerebral space, and cerebellar volume reduction (P = 0.02, P = 0.007, P = 0.01, P = 0.02, respectively). SMOFlipidis are associated with brain insult, especially in white matter, cortical gray matter, and the cerebellum. Well-designed studies are needed to investigate the effect of lipid emulsions on the central nervous system.

Improving growth in preterm infants through nutrition: a practical overview

The primary purpose of this practical overview is to provide a practical update on appropriate nutritional strategies to improve growth in preterm infants. Current recommendations for improving preterm growth concern both macronutrients and micronutrients, with tailored nutrition since the first days of life, particularly when fetal growth restriction has been reported. Human milk is undoubtedly the best nutrition for all newborns, but, in some populations, if not adequately fortified, it does not adequately support their growth. In all preterms, growth should be correctly monitored weekly to intercept a negative trend of growth and implement nutritional strategies to avoid growth restriction. Similarly, growth should be accurately supported and monitored after discharge to improve long-term health consequences.

[Interpretation of the 2023 "Guidelines for parenteral nutrition in preterm infants: the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition"]

The "Guidelines for parenteral nutrition in preterm infants: the American Society for parenteral and enteral nutrition" were developed by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition in September 2023. The guidelines provide recommendations on 12 key clinical questions regarding parenteral nutrition (PN) for preterm infants. In comparison to similar guidelines, this set offers more detailed perspectives on PN for preterm infants. It presents evidence-based recommendations for the commencement time, nutrient dosage, and composition of PN, considering primary outcomes such as growth and development, as well as secondary outcomes like sepsis, retinopathy of prematurity, parenteral nutrition-related liver disease, and jaundice. This article aims to interpret the guidelines to provide a reference for colleagues in the field.

Effects of a Multicomponent Lipid Emulsion on Brain Volumes in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

OBJECTIVE

During the early weeks of life optimization of nutrition in extremely preterm infants presents a critical opportunity to attenuate the adverse neurological consequences of prematurity and potentially improve neurodevelopmental outcome. We hypothesized that the use of multicomponent lipid emulsion (MLE) in parenteral nutrition (PN) would be related to larger volume of the cerebellum on brain magnetic resonance at term of equivalent age (TEA) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at TEA of a cohort of preterm infants with gestational age ≤28 weeks and/or birth weight <1,000 g randomly assigned in our previous trial to receive an MLE or soybean-based lipid emulsion (SLE). The primary outcome of the study was the cerebellar volume (CeV), valued on MRI acquired at TEA. Secondary outcomes included total brain volume (TBV), supratentorial volume, brainstem volume, and CeV corrected for TBV evaluated on MRI acquired at TEA.

RESULTS

MRIs at TEA of 34 infants were then analyzed: 17 in the MLE group and 17 in the SLE group. The postmenstrual age (PMA) at which MRIs were performed were comparable between the two study groups. The CeV as well as the PMA-corrected CeV were significantly higher in the MLE group than in the SLE group. No difference was found among the other brain volumes considered.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the use of MLE in PN could promote CeV growth in ELBW infants, valued with MRI at TEA.

KEY POINTS

· Optimization of nutrition in extremely low birthweight infants.. · Use of multicomponent lipid emulsions in parenteral nutrition.. · Larger cerebellar volume with use of multicomponent lipid emulsion..

The effects of parenteral fish oil on neurodevelopment in preterm infants: A narrative review

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review aimed to summarize studies assessing the effects of parenteral fish oil on neurodevelopment in preterm infants.

METHODS

PubMed was searched (July 1985 to October 2023). We reviewed randomized controlled trials, and observational studies assessing intravenous lipid emulsion with fish oil in preterm infants (born less than 37 weeks' gestation), that reported long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified four publications relating to three randomized controlled trials in addition to four cohort studies. Study designs and outcomes were heterogenous and precluded meta-analyses. Results of trials were null for a selection of neurodevelopmental outcomes, however possible benefits of parenteral fish oil supplementation for neurodevelopment was reported in three cohort studies. Certainty of the evidence is hindered by methodological limitations of available trials and observational studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is required to firmly establish the effects of parenteral fish oil on preterm neurodevelopment.

Dilemmas in the delivery of intravenous lipid emulsions and approach to hypertriglyceridemia in very preterm and low birth weight infants

Intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) are an essential component of parenteral nutrition for very preterm and very low birth weight infants (VLBWs). This article offers a perspective on advancements and controversies on ILE use in this population. ILEs prescribed after birth at a dose of 1.5-2 g/kg/day and advanced to 3 g/kg/day enhance growth. Growth appears to be similar for infants who receive an ILE composed of 100% soybean oil or a multi-oil ILE with 15% fish oil. 100% fish oil is the preferred ILE for the management of parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis and intestinal failure associated liver disease. Research is warranted to help determine how we can optimize ILEs to improve neurodevelopment and prematurity complications. Last, we lack a universal definition of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) and consensus on triglyceride surveillance and HTG management. Investigation is required to determine the health impact of specific triglyceride ranges in very preterm infants and VLBWs.

Parenteral Nutrition in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Intravenous Lipid Emulsions

Intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) are a source of nonprotein calories and fatty acids and help promote growth in preterm infants and infants with intestinal failure. An ILE dose and oil source determines its fatty acid, phytosterol, and vitamin E delivery. These factors play a role in the infant's risk for essential fatty acid deficiency and cholestasis, and help modulate inflammation, immunity, and organ development. This article reviews different ILEs and their constituents and their relationship with neonatal health.

Guidelines for parenteral nutrition in preterm infants: The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition

BACKGROUND

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is prescribed for preterm infants until nutrition needs are met via the enteral route, but unanswered questions remain regarding PN best practices in this population.

METHODS

An interdisciplinary committee was assembled to answer 12 questions concerning the provision of PN to preterm infants. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) process was used. Questions addressed parenteral macronutrient doses, lipid injectable emulsion (ILE) composition, and clinically relevant outcomes, including PNALD, early childhood growth, and neurodevelopment. Preterm infants with congenital gastrointestinal disorders or infants already diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis or PN-associated liver disease (PNALD) at study entry were excluded.

RESULTS

The committee reviewed 2460 citations published between 2001 and 2023 and evaluated 57 clinical trials. For most questions, quality of evidence was very low. Most analyses yielded no significant differences between comparison groups. A multicomponent oil ILE was associated with a reduction in stage 3 or higher retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) compared to an ILE containing 100% soybean oil. For all other questions, expert opinion was provided.

CONCLUSION

Most clinical outcomes were not significantly different between comparison groups when evaluating timing of PN initiation, amino acid dose, and ILE composition. Future clinical trials should standardize outcome definitions to permit statistical conflation of data, thereby permitting more evidence based recommendations in future guidelines. This guideline has been approved by the ASPEN 2022-2023 Board of Directors.

Comparison of Two Lipid Emulsions on the Incidence of Parenteral Nutrition Associated Cholestasis in Neonates

OBJECTIVE

Lipid emulsion contributes to parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis (PNAC). For decades, soybean oil-based intravenous lipid emulsion (SO-ILE) was the predominant product. Recently, a multicomponent lipid emulsion containing soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil and fish oil (SMOF-ILE) has been used off-label in neonatal care. This study evaluates the incidence of PNAC in neonates who received SMOF-ILE or SO-ILE.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of neonates who received SMOF-ILE or SO-ILE for at least 14 days. Patients receiving SMOF-ILE were matched based on gestational age (GA) and birth weight to a historical cohort receiving SO-ILE. The primary outcomes were the incidences of PNAC among all patients and patients without intestinal failure. The secondary outcomes were clinical outcomes and incidence of PNAC stratified by GA. Clinical outcomes included liver function tests, growth parameters, and development of retinopathy of prematurity and intraventricular hemorrhage.

RESULTS

Forty-three neonates who received SMOF-ILE were matched to 43 neonates who received SOILE. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. The incidence of PNAC in the total population was 12% in the SMOF-ILE cohort and 23% in the SO-ILE cohort (p = 0.26). The lipid dosage of SMOF-ILE was significantly higher at time of peak direct serum bilirubin concentration compared with SO-ILE cohort (p = 0.05). Clinically significant differences were noted in laboratory endpoints in several subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the incidence of PNAC among neonates in a SMOFILE cohort compared with a historical SO-ILE cohort.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants Receiving a Multicomponent vs. a Soybean-Based Lipid Emulsion: 24 Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Few studies in the literature have analyzed the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of the administration of a multicomponent versus a soybean-based lipid emulsion (LE) in preterm infants receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). A recent randomized controlled trial conducted in our unit provided evidence of better growth in head circumference during the hospital stay in those who received a multicomponent LE.

METHODS

This is a 24 month follow-up study of preterm infants, previously enrolled in a randomized trial, who received a multicomponent LE (SMOFlipid^®) or a standard soybean-based one (Intralipid^®). We evaluated neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months of corrected age (CA) in the two groups.

RESULTS

Ninety-three children were followed up to the age of 24 months CA. Due to the peculiar time frame of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated only in 77 children: 37 in the SMOFlipid^® group and 40 in the Intralipid^® group. No differences in major disability rates or in Griffith's evaluation were found between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In our population study, the administration of a multicomponent LE containing fish oil, compared to a soybean-based LE, had no significant effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants at 24 months CA.

Optimizing parenteral nutrition to achieve an adequate weight gain according to the current guidelines in preterm infants with birth weight less than 1500 g: a prospective observational study

Aim

European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism released the guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition in 2018. We aimed to compare the parenteral nutrition (PN) regimen with the current guidelines, evaluate weight gain and explore the correlation of parenteral macronutrient and energy intakes with weight gain outcome in preterm infants with birth weight less than 1500 g.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted. Parenteral macronutrients and energy intakes were described. Weight gain during PN was assessed. Nutritional factors associated with weight gain outcome after PN were identified using a cox proportional hazards model.

Results

A total of 163 infants were included in this study, in which 41 were extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants and 122 were very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Average glucose, amino acid, lipid, and energy during the first postnatal week were 7.5 g/kg/d, 2.4 g/kg/d, 0.8 g/kg/d, 48 kcal/kg/d. Median maximum glucose, amino acid, lipid, and energy were 11.1 g/kg/d, 3.5 g/kg/d, 3 g/kg/d, 78 kcal/kg/d. Median days to maximum glucose, amino acid, lipid, and energy were 10, 9, 12, 11 days. The proportion of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants was 76.9%. The ratio of infants without poor weight gain outcome after PN was 38%. With every 0.1 g/kg/d decrease of maximum amino acid and average lipid during the first postnatal week, the probability of appropriate weight gain outcome decreased by 77.6 and 74.4% respectively. With each additional day to maximum glucose and energy, the probability of appropriate weight gain outcome decreased by 5.6 and 6.1% respectively.

Conclusions

Most preterm infants with birth weight less than 1500 g remain below the latest recommended nutrition goals. The poor weight gain outcome of these infants after PN is related to insufficient parenteral macronutrient and energy intakes. PN strategies should be improved according to the latest evidence-based recommendations.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-02782-1.