Total parenteral nutrition for premature infants1,2,3 21 3.pdfVIP

REVIEW Abstract In the late 1970s the age of viability was approximately 28 weeks’ gestation. Most infants less than 1,000 grams and some less than 1,500 grams were considered nonviable, therefore, resuscitation attempts were less aggressive. Advancing technology has led to improvements in ventilators, intravenous access materials, and surfactant therapy; have all had an impact on lowering the age of viability. It is not unusual today to resuscitate infants as young as 22 weeks’ gestation. One of the major obstacles in the care of babies on the edge of viability is to provide adequate nutritional intake. This article discusses the importance of adequate nutrition, reviews the components of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and makes suggestions concerning initiation of enteral feedings for premature infants. ? 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. CE-FEATURE ARTICLE: Link to , click ?Online CE Program? to access the approved and accredited Continuing Education Questions for this featured article. Approval and accreditation are through Mosby Continuing Education and Training. Speci?c instructions and information on the number of credits available and the testing processes can be viewed on the website. Address reprint requests to Judith A. Ernst, DMSc, RD, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Indiana University, Ball Residence Hall Rm 112, 1226 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3940 317-274-9901 (phone), 317-278-3940 (fax) Email: jernst@ Deborah Scanga, MS, RD is acknowledged for assistance with the referencing. William Buss, PharmD is acknowledged for his assistance with sections related to pharmaceutical management and solution stability and compatability. ? 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1527-3369/04/0403-0000$30.00/0 doi:10.1053/j.nainr.2004.03.006 Continuing Education Total Parenteral Nutrition for Premature Infants By Elizabeth Brine, MMSc, RD, and Judith A. Ernst, DMSc, RD Total parenteral nutri