Longitudinal study of energy expenditure in preterm neonates <30 weeks' gestation during the first three postnatal weeks

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to measure energy expenditure (EE) in a contemporary population of preterm neonates Study design Prospective longitudinal cohort study in 26 consecutive preterm neonates (gestational age, 27 weeks [23-29] [median, range]; birth weight, 980 g [554-1592]). EE was measured by indirect calorimetry on postnatal days 1, 3, 5, 10, and 21. Data on body weight, energy intake, and medical therapy were prospectively collected. Results EE increased from 121 ± 25 kJ/kg per day (29 ± 6 kcal/kg per day) (mean ± SD) on day 1 to 222 ± 25 kJ/kg per day (53 ± 6 kcal/kg per day) on day 21. An energy deficit occurred only on day 1. EE was closely related to energy intake: For each additional kJ given, EE increased by 0.3 kJ ( r = 0.789, P Conclusions EE could be predicted from energy intake with acceptable accuracy in preterm neonates (J Pediatr 2003;142:390-6)