All issues > Volume 16(3); 1973

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1973;16(3):219-225. Published online March 31, 1973.

The Effect of a High Calorie Diet on the Weight of Premature Babies

Jae Jung Choi¹, Suk Kyu Kim², Young Won Kim²

¹Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Busan National University
²Busan II Sin Womens Hospital

Abstract

Of a total of 699 premature babies admitted to the pediatric dept, of I.S.W.H. during 13 months from 1 July 1971 to 31 July 1972, 306 babies were suitable for study. Of these 151 were given 5% glucose in water and 155 were given glucose in water as initial feeding and the following results were obtained using the birth weight as a point of reference: 1.The day on which the initial weight loss was greatest was 3 days earlier in the group fed on 10% glucose than in the group given 5% glucose. 2.The average initial weight loss of the babies on 5% glucose was 3. 5% greater than those given 10% glucose. 3.The day on which the birth weight was regained was 4 days earlier in the 10% glucose group. 4. The day on which the babies were fit for discharge (at a weight of 2, 270~2, 500 gm.) was about 5 days earlier in. the 10% glucose group. It follows that the average stay in hospital was shortened by this amount. 5.The death rate of the total 699 premature infants (including previable ones) was 22% in the 5% glucose group it was 23% and in the 10% group 20%. However, as many other factors are involved it is not possible to draw any conclusions from this. 6.Accordingly we have studied the significance of the at present controversial use of intravenous high calorie alimentation.

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