74 METABOLIC AND GROWTH STUDIES IN S.L.B.W. INFANTS FED AND EXPERIMENTAL FORMULA

Six SLBW were fed for 4 weeks an experimental high protein and Caformula(E%: 81Kcal/dl). Metabolic data are presented in other abstracts. Average intakes were per (Kg/Day): En: 143 ± 19 Kcal; Prot: 4.3 ± 0.5 grs; Ca: 167 ± 22 mg; Na: 2.5 ± 0.3 mEq. Weight gain was very close to the gain of the Reference Fetus of Zeigler et al.: 109 ± 9 %. Weight gain in relation to energy intake was in close agreement with O'Donnell et al. estimates. In spite of high protein intakes, B.U.N. was 6.8 ± 1.8 mg./dl; plasma and urine osmolality were 236 ± 13 (220-251) and 167 ± 4 (116-216) respectively. Metabolic acidosis was not detected. About the 3rd week, babies showed a trend to decrease serum Alb. This study confirms the high protein requirements of SLBW. The growth pattern in relation to nutrient intake might reflect a newly formed body mass of adequate composition. On-going studies might valide thid hypothesis.