There is limited information regarding the use of parenteral nutrition (PN) in term and late preterm infants. We conducted a survey to study the current clinical practices within Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). A 15-question online-survey was distributed to 232 neonatologists and 55 paediatric intensivists across ANZ between September and November 2019. At least one neonatologist from 27 out of 30 tertiary neonatal intensive care units responded (90%). Responses were received from 69 neonatologists (30%) and seven paediatric Intensivists (13%). The overall response rate was 26% (76/287). Thirty three percent (25/76) commenced PN within 24-hours of admission, 27% (20/75) between 24 and 48 hours, 24% (18/75) between 48 and 72 hours, 9% (7/75) between 72 and 96 hours and 4% (3/75) between 96 hour and 7 days. None of the respondents commenced PN after 7 days of admission. Sixty one percent (46/75) aimed for 1.5-3g/kg/day of parenteral amino acids whereas 27% (20/75) aimed for 2-3g/kg/day. Renal failure (59%; 38/64) and high plasma urea (44%; 28/64) were the major indications for withholding/decreasing the amino acid intake. Eighty three percent (63/76) aimed for a dose of 2.5g-3.5g/kg/day of parenteral lipids; about 9% (7/76) targeted a dose of 1-2.5g/kg/day and 4% (3/76) for >3.5g/kg/day.
Thirty two percent (24/74) reported that they would withhold/decrease the dose of parenteral lipids in infants with sepsis. The variations in clinicians’ practices with respect to the use of PN in term and late preterm infants highlight the need for high quality research in this population.