High-risk children and social isolation: the importance of family functioning.

High-risk newborns are exposed to neonatal conditions such as prematurity, very low birth weight, and congenital malformations that can affect development and behavior. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restraint and control measures have been identified as important stressor events and cumulative risk factors for behavioral changes in these children. This study examined social isolation-related factors that contribute to internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in children already at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. This cross-sectional, multicenter study included 113 children (18 months to 9 years) who were followed in reference services for neonatal follow-up in tertiary units of the public health system in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Behavior was assessed using the child behavior checklist, and a structured questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic aspects. In the bivariate analysis, prematurity was associated with externalizing problems and change in eating habits with internalizing problems. The logistic model indicated that both parents having completed high school and both sharing care of the child were protective factors for behavioral problems; however, reports of sleep problems and living with another child were risk factors. In conclusion, the study identified internalizing and externalizing behavior problems related to prematurity and aspects of family structure and routine in children at risk. The findings confirm the importance of family functioning for child health and family-centered interventions.

Physical and social activities constraint and its effects on Body Mass Index of former Neonatal Intensive Care children.

OBJECTIVE: It is reported weight gain in children due to the confinement measures during the Covid-19 pandemic. We aimed to describe the effect of these measures on the nutritional status of former Neonatal Intensive Care Unit children. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, including former Neonatal Intensive Care Unit children. The outcome was the Body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: We enrolled 126 children (74.6 % preterm; 31 % small-for-gestational-age). Weight excess was greater in the youngest group (≤5 years: 33.8 %; >5 years: 15.2 %). Prematurity was associated with weight excess in both groups (≤5 years: p value 0.006; >5 years: p value 0.046; Pearson test). Mealtime changes, lack of physical activity, socioeconomic factors and the perinatal morbidities significantly influenced the mean BMI. Birth length Z score less than -1.28 was negatively associated with BMI, while gestational age at birth presented a positive association with BMI (linear regression model). CONCLUSIONS: The BMI increase due to the confinement measures associated with the gestational age at birth and in those born with intrauterine growth restriction is a matter of concern, as it might indicate a risk for future obesity.

Body composition at 4 to 7 years of age in children born <32 weeks gestational age or 1500 g: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Small for gestational age preterm infants show differences in body composition when compared to those appropriate for gestational age at term, which have consequences on metabolism. AIM: To compare growth and body composition of children born small and appropriate for gestational age between 4 and 7 years. METHOD: A Cohort of small and appropriate for gestational age infants <32 weeks or 1500 g were followed at term and 3 months corrected ages and at 4 to 7 years. Body composition assessment by air displacement plethysmography and anthropometry were performed at all moments. Differences between the two groups were assessed using t-student and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Ninety-four infants were included at term (26 small and 68 appropriate for gestational age); 88 at 3 months (24 small and 64 appropriate for gestational age) and 47 between 4 and 7 years (11 small and 36 appropriate for gestational age). At term, small for gestational age infants had lower fat-free mass, fat mass, weight and length compared with those appropriate for gestational age (p < 0.001). At 3 months, fat-free mass (grams) remained lower in small for gestational age group (p < 0.001). Between 4 and 7 years, body composition and anthropometry were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Between 4 and 7 years, children born small and appropriate for gestational age had similar body composition. New long-term longitudinal studies are necessary to understand the influence of fat-free mass and fat mass in the first months of age on body composition throughout life.

Analysis of the differences between the prescribed and the administered diet to preterm infants using an electronic too / Análise das diferenças entre a dieta prescrita e a dieta administrada aos recém-nascidos pré-termo usando um instrumento eletrônico

ABSTRACT Objective: To create an electronic instrument in order to analyze the adequacy of the preterm infants' nutritional therapy, checking the difference between the prescribed and the administered diet. Methods: A prospective and observational study on newborns with birthweight ≤1,500g and/or gestational age ≤32 weeks, without congenital malformations. The electronic instrument was developed based on Microsoft Excel 2010 spreadsheets and aimed at automatically calculating body weight gain, calories and macronutrients received daily by each patient from parenteral nutrition, intravenous hydration and enteral feedings. The weekly means of each nutrient were used to compare the prescribed and administered diets. Results: To evaluate the instrument, 60 newborns with a birth weight of 1,289±305 g and a gestational age of 30±2 weeks were included. Of them, 9.6% had restricted growth at birth and 55% at discharge. The median length of stay was 45±17 days. There were significant differences between prescribed and administered diet for all of the macronutrients and for total calories in the first three weeks. The lipid was the macronutrient with the greatest percentage error in the first week of life. Conclusions: The use of a computational routine was important to verify differences between the prescribed and the administered diet. This analysis is necessary to minimize calculation errors and to speed up health providers' decisions about the nutritional approach, which can contribute to patients' safety and to good nutritional practice. Very low birth weight infants are extremely vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies and any reduction in macronutrients they receive may be harmful to achieve satisfactory growth.

RESUMO Objetivo: Elaborar um instrumento eletrônico para análise da adequação da terapia nutricional dos recém-nascidos pré-termo, verificando a diferença entre a dieta prescrita e a administrada. Métodos: Estudo observacional prospectivo em recém-nascidos com peso de nascimento ≤1.500 g e/ou idade gestacional ≤32 semanas, sem malformações congênitas. O instrumento eletrônico foi desenvolvido com base em planilhas do Microsoft Excel 2010 para calcular automaticamente ganho de peso corporal, calorias e macronutrientes diariamente recebidos pelos pacientes por meio de dietas parenteral e enteral. Para comparar a dieta prescrita e a administrada, foram utilizados os resultados das médias semanais. Resultados: Para avaliar o instrumento, foram incluídos 60 recém-nascidos com peso de nascimento de 1.289±305 g e idade gestacional de 30±2 semanas. Destes, 9,6% apresentavam restrição de crescimento no nascimento e 55% no momento da alta. A média de internação foi de 45±17 dias. Foram verificadas diferenças significativas entre a dieta prescrita e a administrada para todos os macronutrientes e calorias totais nas três primeiras semanas. O lipídeo foi o macronutriente com o maior erro percentual na primeira semana. Conclusões: O emprego de uma rotina computacional foi importante para verificar discrepâncias entre a dieta prescrita e a administrada. Essa análise é necessária para minimizar erros de cálculo e agilizar as decisões da equipe de saúde acerca da abordagem nutricional, podendo contribuir para a segurança do paciente e para a boa prática nutricional. Os recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso são extremamente vulneráveis às deficiências nutricionais e qualquer redução nos macronutrientes recebidos pode ser deletéria para o crescimento satisfatório.

ANALYSIS OF THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PRESCRIBED AND THE ADMINISTERED DIET TO PRETERM INFANTS USING AN ELECTRONIC TOO.

OBJECTIVE: To create an electronic instrument in order to analyze the adequacy of the preterm infants' nutritional therapy, checking the difference between the prescribed and the administered diet. METHODS: A prospective and observational study on newborns with birthweight ≤1,500g and/or gestational age ≤32 weeks, without congenital malformations. The electronic instrument was developed based on Microsoft Excel 2010 spreadsheets and aimed at automatically calculating body weight gain, calories and macronutrients received daily by each patient from parenteral nutrition, intravenous hydration and enteral feedings. The weekly means of each nutrient were used to compare the prescribed and administered diets. RESULTS: To evaluate the instrument, 60 newborns with a birth weight of 1,289±305 g and a gestational age of 30±2 weeks were included. Of them, 9.6% had restricted growth at birth and 55% at discharge. The median length of stay was 45±17 days. There were significant differences between prescribed and administered diet for all of the macronutrients and for total calories in the first three weeks. The lipid was the macronutrient with the greatest percentage error in the first week of life. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a computational routine was important to verify differences between the prescribed and the administered diet. This analysis is necessary to minimize calculation errors and to speed up health providers' decisions about the nutritional approach, which can contribute to patients' safety and to good nutritional practice. Very low birth weight infants are extremely vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies and any reduction in macronutrients they receive may be harmful to achieve satisfactory growth.

Differences in energy expenditure in human donor milk versus formula milk in preterm newborns: A crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the ratio between energy expenditure and caloric density in human donor milk versus formula milk in preterm newborn infants. METHODS: This was a crossover, randomized clinical trial with 29 preterm newborn infants receiving full diet. The infants were randomly assigned to receive either human milk or formula milk alternating, after a 24-h period. Energy expenditure was evaluated by indirect calorimetry. Total calorie and macronutrient values in the human milk were calculated individually with infrared technique; energy expenditure/caloric density ratio was calculated. RESULTS: Human donor milk energy expenditure/caloric density ratio was significantly greater than in formula milk at all time points. The total mean was 1.04 ± 0.27 for the human milk and 0.81 ± 0.11 for the formula. However, when we analyzed a subgroup of newborns that received human donor milk with >60 kcal/100 mL, there was no statistical difference (P = 0.36). The mean calorie values were 58.9 kcal/100 mL (human donor milk) and 81.4 kcal/100 mL (formula milk). CONCLUSION: Formula milk produced a better metabolic response than human donor milk. Human donor milk with higher caloric content showed no difference from formula, so the use of human donor milk with more caloric density should be reinforced.

Energy expenditure, growth, and nutritional therapy in appropriate and small for gestational age preterm infants / Gasto energético, crescimento e terapia nutricional em recém-nascidos pré-termo adequados e pequenos para idade gestacional

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the resting energy expenditure, growth, and quantity of energy and macronutrients intake in a group of preterm newborns. Methods: The cohort study was performed with appropriate and small for gestational age preterm infants (birth weight lower than 1500 g or gestational age < 32 weeks). Resting energy expenditure was measured using indirect calorimetry on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days of life, and at discharge. Length, head circumference and body weight were assessed weekly. Nutritional therapy was calculated during the hospital stay and the information for each type of food was recorded in software that calculates the total amount of energy and macronutrients. Results: 61 preterm infants were followed; 43 appropriate and 18 small for gestational age infants. There was no statistical difference for resting energy expenditure between the groups, and it increased from the first to the fourth week of life (appropriate: 26.3% and small: 21.8%). Energy intake in the first two weeks of life was well below the energy requirement. Conclusion: Considering that the results demonstrate high energy expenditure during the first weeks of life, there is an evident need to provide the best quality of nutrition for each child in the first weeks of life so that preterm infants with or without intrauterine growth restriction can achieve their maximum potential for growth and development.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o gasto energético de repouso, o crescimento e a quantidade ofertada de energia e macronutrientes em um grupo de recém-nascidos pré-termo. Método: Foi feito estudo de coorte com recém-nascidos pré-termo adequados e pequenos para a idade gestacional (peso de nascimento inferior a 1.500 gramas ou idade gestacional < 32 semanas). O gasto energético foi avaliado com a calorimetria indireta nos dias 7°, 14°, 21°, 28° dias de vida e alta hospitalar. Medidas do comprimento, perímetro cefálico e peso corporal foram avaliadas semanalmente. A terapia nutricional foi calculada durante a internação do recém-nascido e as informações de cada tipo de alimentação foram registradas em um software que calcula a quantidade total de energia e macronutrientes. Resultados: Foram acompanhados 61 recém-nascidos, sendo 43 adequados e 18 pequenos para idade gestacional. O gasto energético de repouso não apresentou diferença estatística entre os grupos e aumentou entre a primeira e quarta semana de vida (adequados: 26,3% e pequenos: 21,8%). O aporte energético nas duas primeiras semanas de vida mostrou-se bem abaixo do requerimento energético mensurado pela calorimetria. Conclusão: Considerando os resultados que demonstram um gasto energético alto ao longo das primeiras semanas de vida, fica evidente a necessidade de fornecer ao recém-nascido pré-termo um melhor aporte energético já nas primeiras semanas de vida, para que os neonatos com ou sem restrição intrauterina possam atingir o seu potencial máximo de crescimento e desenvolvimento.

Breastfeeding of preterm newborn infants following hospital discharge: follow-up during the first year of life. / Amamentação em lactentes nascidos pré-termo após alta hospitalar: acompanhamento durante o primeiro ano de vida.

This paper aims to evaluate the prevalence of breastfeeding among premature infants following hospital discharge. Cohort (< 33 gestation weeks) followed up to 12 months (adjusted age). VARIABLES: breastfeeding, anthropometric measurements, social and family information. The proportion of breastfeeding during follow-up was calculated. Survival analysis was conducted to estimate breastfeeding duration. In total, 242 of the 258 infants (93.7%) returned to follow-up; 170 (69.9%) at 6 months and 139 (57.2%) at 12 months (adjusted age). A history of miscarriages (27.5%), stillbirths (11.7%), neonatal deaths (9.5%) and preterm births (21.1%) was noted in 65.5% of women. At hospital discharge: 5.5% received exclusive breastfeeding, 65.8% breastfeeding and formula, 28.6% formula. At month 1, 81.3% received breastfeeding, decreasing to 68.5% at month 2, 62.4% at month 3, 48.1% at month 4 and 22.4% at month 6 (adjusted age). The median of breastfeeding duration was 4 months. Breastfeeding occurred up to four months adjusted age in almost half of the population. Despite the need to improve these rates, the results could reflect the profile of the Child-Friendly Hospital Initiative Unit. Maintaining breastfeeding amongst preterm infants following hospital discharge is still a challenge, for both mothers and health professionals.

Objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a prevalência de amamentação entre prematuros após a alta hospitalar. Coorte (idade gestacional < 33 semanas) acompanhada até 12 meses (idade corrigida). Variáveis: amamentação, medidas antropométricas, informações sociofamiliares. Calculadas as proporções de amamentação durante o acompanhamento. Realizada análise de sobrevida para estimar a duração da amamentação. Retornaram ao ambulatório 242/258 crianças (93,7%); 170 (69,9%) aos 6 e 139 (57,2%) aos 12 meses (idade corrigida). História de abortos (27,5%), natimortos (11,7%), óbito neonatal (9,5%), partos prematuros (21,1%) em 65,5% das mulheres. Alimentação na alta: 5,5% amamentação exclusiva, 65,8% leite materno e fórmula, 28,6% fórmula. Com 1 mês 81,3% estavam em aleitamento materno, diminuindo para 68,5 % aos 2 meses, 62,4% aos 3 meses, 48,1% aos 4 meses e 22,4% aos 6 meses (idade corrigida). A mediana da duração da amamentação foi de 4 meses. O aleitamento materno ocorreu até os quatro meses de idade corrigida em quase metade da população. Apesar da necessidade de melhorar estas taxas, estes resultados podem refletir o perfil da Unidade, pertencente à Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança. A manutenção do aleitamento materno em lactentes pré-termos após a alta hospitalar continua sendo um desafio, para as mães e para os profissionais de saúde.

Amamentação em lactentes nascidos pré-termo após alta hospitalar: acompanhamento durante o primeiro ano de vida / Breastfeeding of preterm newborn infants following hospital discharge: follow-up during the first year of life

Resumo Objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a prevalência de amamentação entre prematuros após a alta hospitalar. Coorte (idade gestacional < 33 semanas) acompanhada até 12 meses (idade corrigida). Variáveis: amamentação, medidas antropométricas, informações sociofamiliares. Calculadas as proporções de amamentação durante o acompanhamento. Realizada análise de sobrevida para estimar a duração da amamentação. Retornaram ao ambulatório 242/258 crianças (93,7%); 170 (69,9%) aos 6 e 139 (57,2%) aos 12 meses (idade corrigida). História de abortos (27,5%), natimortos (11,7%), óbito neonatal (9,5%), partos prematuros (21,1%) em 65,5% das mulheres. Alimentação na alta: 5,5% amamentação exclusiva, 65,8% leite materno e fórmula, 28,6% fórmula. Com 1 mês 81,3% estavam em aleitamento materno, diminuindo para 68,5 % aos 2 meses, 62,4% aos 3 meses, 48,1% aos 4 meses e 22,4% aos 6 meses (idade corrigida). A mediana da duração da amamentação foi de 4 meses. O aleitamento materno ocorreu até os quatro meses de idade corrigida em quase metade da população. Apesar da necessidade de melhorar estas taxas, estes resultados podem refletir o perfil da Unidade, pertencente à Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança. A manutenção do aleitamento materno em lactentes pré-termos após a alta hospitalar continua sendo um desafio, para as mães e para os profissionais de saúde.

Abstract This paper aims to evaluate the prevalence of breastfeeding among premature infants following hospital discharge. Cohort (< 33 gestation weeks) followed up to 12 months (adjusted age). Variables: breastfeeding, anthropometric measurements, social and family information. The proportion of breastfeeding during follow-up was calculated. Survival analysis was conducted to estimate breastfeeding duration. In total, 242 of the 258 infants (93.7%) returned to follow-up; 170 (69.9%) at 6 months and 139 (57.2%) at 12 months (adjusted age). A history of miscarriages (27.5%), stillbirths (11.7%), neonatal deaths (9.5%) and preterm births (21.1%) was noted in 65.5% of women. At hospital discharge: 5.5% received exclusive breastfeeding, 65.8% breastfeeding and formula, 28.6% formula. At month 1, 81.3% received breastfeeding, decreasing to 68.5% at month 2, 62.4% at month 3, 48.1% at month 4 and 22.4% at month 6 (adjusted age). The median of breastfeeding duration was 4 months. Breastfeeding occurred up to four months adjusted age in almost half of the population. Despite the need to improve these rates, the results could reflect the profile of the Child-Friendly Hospital Initiative Unit. Maintaining breastfeeding amongst preterm infants following hospital discharge is still a challenge, for both mothers and health professionals.

Growth and body composition of preterm infants less than or equal to 32 weeks: Cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Extremely preterm infants with weights less than the 10th percentile at discharge have a fat-free mass deficit. AIM: To analyze the relationship of weight Z-scores less than -2SD at term age with fat-free mass and fat mass at term age and at 1 and 3 months of corrected age in very preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: COHORT STUDY: Subjects: Sixty-six preterm infants born before or at 32 weeks gestation with birth weight equal or greater than the 10th percentile for age were included at term age. They were classified according to weight Z-score as either: "term (-)" (n = 18) if weight Z-scores were less -2SD or "term (+)" (n = 48) if the weight Z-scores were equal or greater than -2SD at term age. OUTCOME MEASURES: Growth and body composition by an air displacement plethysmography system and bioimpedance were assessed at term age and 1 and 3 months of corrected age. RESULTS: Lower fat-free mass persisted up to 3 months in the "term (-)" group [4137 g (645) vs 4592 g (707), p < .01]. Fat mass was lower in the "term (-)" group at term and at 1 month but was similar at 3 months of corrected age [1295 g (774) vs 1477 g (782), p = .109]. Weight, length and head circumference Z-scores were lower in the "term (-)" group compared to those in the "term (+)" group. CONCLUSIONS: The lean tissue deficits were maintained in the "term (-)" group while the differences in body fat percentage were not.

Energy expenditure, growth, and nutritional therapy in appropriate and small for gestational age preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the resting energy expenditure, growth, and quantity of energy and macronutrients intake in a group of preterm newborns. METHODS: The cohort study was performed with appropriate and small for gestational age preterm infants (birth weight lower than 1500g or gestational age<32 weeks). Resting energy expenditure was measured using indirect calorimetry on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days of life, and at discharge. Length, head circumference and body weight were assessed weekly. Nutritional therapy was calculated during the hospital stay and the information for each type of food was recorded in software that calculates the total amount of energy and macronutrients. RESULTS: 61 preterm infants were followed; 43 appropriate and 18 small for gestational age infants. There was no statistical difference for resting energy expenditure between the groups, and it increased from the first to the fourth week of life (appropriate: 26.3% and small: 21.8%). Energy intake in the first two weeks of life was well below the energy requirement. CONCLUSION: Considering that the results demonstrate high energy expenditure during the first weeks of life, there is an evident need to provide the best quality of nutrition for each child in the first weeks of life so that preterm infants with or without intrauterine growth restriction can achieve their maximum potential for growth and development.

Antropometria e composição corporal de recém-nascidos pré-termo na idade gestacional e no peso equivalente ao termo / Anthropometry and body composition of preemies at term age and term age weight

OBJETIVO: Analisar o crescimento e a composição corporal de recém-nascidos pré-termo na idade gestacional corrigida de termo e ao alcançarem um peso entre 3,0 e 3,5 kg. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal, realizado no Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, com 39 recém-nascidos pré-termo e que apresentaram muito baixo peso ao nascer. Medidas antropométricas e água corporal total foram avaliadas no primeiro, no sétimo e no dia da recuperação do peso de nascimento, na idade gestacional corrigida do termo e em torno de três semanas de idade gestacional corrigida (correspondente ao tempo de vida para alcançar um peso entre 3,0 e 3,5 kg). O grupo de referência foi constituído por 32 recém-nascidos a termo, adequados para a idade gestacional, avaliados no segundo dia de vida. Considerou-se restrição de crescimento o escore-Z menor do que -2 para peso, comprimento e perímetro cefálico. RESULTADOS: Na idade de termo, 71,8% dos recém-nascidos pré-termo apresentaram restrição do crescimento para peso, 61,5% para comprimento e 25,6% para perímetro cefálico. Com três semanas de idade gestacional corrigida, esses recém-nascidos apresentaram a prega cutânea tricipital e a circunferência abdominal estatisticamente maiores que o grupo de referência enquanto o comprimento e a porcentagem de água corporal total foram menores. CONCLUSÃO: Os recém-nascidos pré-termo apresentaram perfil antropométrico e de água corporal diferente dos recém--nascidos a termo, sugerindo acúmulo de gordura. Houve recuperação do crescimento entre a idade de termo e três semanas de idade corrigida, sendo mais evidente esse crescimento em relação ao perímetro cefálico e peso.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze growth and body composition of preemies at term gestational age and when they reach a weight of 3.0 to 3.5 kg. METHODS: This longitudinal study was conducted at Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, and included 39 preemies with very low birth weight. Anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analysis were performed in 5 occasions: days 1 and 7 after birth; at birth weight recovery; at term-corrected gestational age; and at around three weeks of corrected gestational age (age needed to reach a weight of 3.0 to 3.5 kg). A reference group comprising 32 term newborns, appropriate for gestational age, was evaluated at day 2 after birth. Growth restriction was defined as a Z-score below -2 for weight, length, and head circumference. RESULTS: At term age, 71.8% of the preemies presented growth restriction for weight, 61.5% for length, and 25.6% for head circumference. When the preemies reached three weeks of corrected gestational age, triceps skinfold thickness and abdominal circumference were greater than those of the reference group, and length and percent of total body water were lower. CONCLUSION: The anthropometric profile and total body water of preemies were different from those of term newborns, suggesting fat deposition. There was catch up growth between term age and three weeks of corrected gestational age, which was more evident for head circumference and weight.