Evaluation of Nutritional Status in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a Teaching Hospital

Background: extrauterine growth restriction remains a common and serious condition in neonates, particularly small, immature, and critically ill infants. overall, 97% and 40% of very low birth weight (vlbw) infants experience growth failure at 36 weeks and 18-22 months post-conceptual age, respectively. the postnatal development of premature infants is highly dependent on an adequate nutritional intake that mimics a similar gestational stage. deficient protein or amino acid administration over an extended period may lead to significant growth delays or morbidity in vlbw infants. the purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (nicu) at a teaching hospital. methods: in this prospective observational study, the nutritional status of 100 consecutive critically ill neonates was evaluated, using anthropometric and biochemical parameters in a tertiary nicu. infants’ demographic characteristics (weight, height, and head circumference), energy source (dextrose and lipids), and protein level were recorded on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th days of admission. blood samples were obtained to measure serum albumin and prealbumin. calorie and protein levels were calculated for all preterm and term neonates and were separately compared with the standard mean values. results: calorie and amino acid level were not similar among the majority of preterm and term neonates, and the mean daily parenteral calorie intake was ≤ 30% less than the daily requirements, based on neonatal weight. mortality rate was significantly higher in neonates with lower serum albumin level and severe malnutrition; however, no association was found between mortality rate and serum prealbumin concentration. conclusion: in the evaluated infants, the whole daily calorie and protein requirements were not met. therefore, timely and adequate administration of calorie sources (dextrose and lipids) and amino acids is highly recommended. compared to albumin, prealbumin was a more effective biochemical parameter for evaluating neonates’ short-term nutritional status, particularly in critically ill patients.