Nutrition strategies to prevent short-term adverse outcomes in preterm neonates

Abstract

With preterm neonates surviving earlier gestational ages, comorbidities such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, delayed neuronal development, intestinal injury, osteopenia, and parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease have become more common. This has been a topic of much deliberation and research to identify mitigation strategies. We explore nutrition approaches and risk factors for each condition individually, even though some strategies may overlap due to similar disease mechanisms. These conditions have long-lasting effects on preterm neonates, calling for ongoing assessment of practical and adjustable interventions. Recent studies elucidate the utility of nutrition optimization for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, delayed neuronal development, intestinal injury, osteopenia, and parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease. Specifically, amino acids, lipids, breastmilk, and Vitamins A, D, and E have been shown to effectively mitigate the risk these common morbidities affection preterm neonates. Further studies are needed to identify targeted ranges of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals essential to the varying gestational ages and high-risk populations.