Journal de Pharmacie Clinique
MENUNutrition care of the preterms neonates: current issue Volume 27, issue 1, janvier-février-mars 2008
- Key words: premature, neonatology, parenteral nutrition, guidelines
- DOI : 10.1684/jpc.2008.0079
- Page(s) : 11-7
- Published in: 2008
Since 1980, medical and scientific progresses have permitted to keep alive preterm neonates with gestation age below 28 weeks, without increasing severe consequences. The preterm newborn is caracterised by a lack of reserves and a biological immaturity regarding immunity, physiology and metabolism. Indeed, foetal energy, trace elements and vitamins’ stocks are constituted during the 3 rd quarter of pregnancy. The nutrition care of preterm neonates needs to be adjusted to their immaturity, but also have to be sufficient for growth. Oral nutrition should start as early as possible. Nevertheless, in the first days of life, an enteral nutrition is often used associated to a parenteral complement. Parenteral nutrition induces technical and metabolic complications and needs clinical and biological care.