Prevalence and Risk Factors for Tube-Feeding at Discharge in Infants following Early Congenital Heart Disease Surgery: A Single-Center Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Oral feeding difficulty is common in infants after congenital heart disease (CHD) surgical repair and is associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased risk for tube-feeding at discharge (TF). The current understanding of the enteropathogenesis of oral feeding difficulty in infants requiring CHD surgery is limited. To determine the prevalence and risk factors for TF following CHD surgery in early infancy. STUDY DESIGN: This was a 6-year single-center retrospective cohort study (2016-2021) of infants under 6 months who had CHD surgery. Infants required TF were compared with infants who reached independent oral feeding (IOF). RESULTS: Of the final sample of 128 infants, 24 (18.8%) infants required TF at discharge. The risk factors for TF in univariate analysis include low birth weight, low 5-minute Apgar score, admitted at birth, risk adjustment in congenital heart surgery categories IV to VI, presence of genetic diagnosis, use of Prostin, higher pre- and postsurgery respiratory support, lower weight at surgery, lower presurgery oral feeding, higher presurgery milk calory, delayed postsurgery enteral and oral feeding, higher pre- and postsurgery gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), need for swallow study, abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, only admitted at birth, higher presurgery milk calories, and GERD were significant risk factors for TF. TF had significantly longer hospital stay (72 vs. 17 days) and lower weight gain at discharge (z-score: -3.59 vs. -1.94) compared with IOF (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of TF at discharge in our study is comparable to previous studies. Infants with CHD admitted at birth, received higher presurgery milk calories, and clinical GERD are significant risk factors for TF. Mitigating the effects of identified risk factors for TF will have significant impact on the quality of life for these infants and their families and may reduce health care cost. KEY POINTS: · Oral feeding difficulty in infants after congenital heart disease surgical repair is common.. · Such infants require prolonged hospital stay and higher risk for tube-feeding at discharge.. · Identifying modifiable risk factors associated with tube-feeding can enhance clinical outcomes..

Childhood obesity and adverse cardiometabolic risk in large for gestational age infants and potential early preventive strategies: a narrative review.

Accumulating evidence indicates that obesity and cardiometabolic risks become established early in life due to developmental programming and infants born as large for gestational age (LGA) are particularly at risk. This review summarizes the recent literature connecting LGA infants and early childhood obesity and cardiometabolic risk and explores potential preventive interventions in early infancy. With the rising obesity rates in women of childbearing age, the LGA birth rate is about 10%. Recent literature continues to support the higher rates of obesity in LGA infants. However, there is a knowledge gap for their lifetime risk for adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. Potential factors that may modify the risk in early infancy include catch-down early postnatal growth, reduction in body fat growth trajectory, longer breastfeeding duration, and presence of a healthy gut microbiome. The early postnatal period may be a critical window of opportunity for active interventions to mitigate or prevent obesity and potential adverse metabolic consequences in later life. A variety of promising candidate biomarkers for the early identification of metabolic alterations in LGA infants is also discussed. IMPACT: LGA infants are the greatest risk category for future obesity, especially if they experience rapid postnatal growth during infancy. Potential risk modifying secondary prevention strategies in early infancy in LGA infants include catch-down early postnatal growth, reduction in body fat growth trajectory, longer breastfeeding duration, and presence of a healthy gut microbiome. LGA infants may be potential low-hanging fruit targets for early preventive interventions in the fight against childhood obesity.

Enhancing Interpretation of One-Time Body Composition Measurement at Near-Term Gestation in Preterm Infants: An Exploratory Study.

In preterm infants, longitudinal growth patterns have a stronger association with clinical outcomes than cross-sectional metrics. For qualitative growth, a one-time body composition measurement at near term is common, and here we explore the potential use of a novel estimated longitudinal body composition metric (adjusted fat-free mass deficit) using birth anthropometrics. KEY POINTS: · Longitudinal growth patterns are better linked with clinical outcomes in preterm infants.. · Body composition is increasingly used to assess the quality of postnatal growth in preterm infants.. · Single body composition at term adjusted using birth weight may be better predictive for outcomes..

Role of feeding strategy bundle with acid-suppressive therapy in infants with esophageal acid reflux exposure: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a feeding bundle concurrent with acid suppression is superior to acid suppression alone in improving gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) attributed-symptom scores and feeding outcomes in neonatal ICU infants. METHODS: Infants (N = 76) between 34 and 60 weeks' postmenstrual age with acid reflux index > 3% were randomly allocated to study (acid-suppressive therapy + feeding bundle) or conventional (acid-suppressive therapy only) arms for 4 weeks. Feeding bundle included: total fluid volume < 140 mL/kg/day, fed over 30 min in right lateral position, and supine postprandial position. Primary outcome was independent oral feeding and/or ≥6-point decrease in symptom score (I-GERQ-R). Secondary outcomes included growth (weight, length, head circumference), length of hospital stay (LOHS, days), airway (oxygen at discharge), and developmental (Bayley scores) milestones. RESULTS: Of 688 screened: 76 infants were randomized and used for the primary outcome as intent-to-treat, and secondary outcomes analyzed for 72 infants (N = 35 conventional, N = 37 study). For study vs. conventional groups, respectively: (a) 33% (95% CI, 19-49%) vs. 44% (95% CI, 28-62%), P = 0.28 achieved primary outcome success, and (b) secondary outcomes did not significantly differ (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Feeding strategy modifications concurrent with acid suppression are not superior to PPI alone in improving GERD symptoms or discharge feeding, short-term and long-term outcomes. IMPACT: Conservative feeding therapies are thought to modify GERD symptoms and its consequences. However, in this randomized controlled trial in convalescing neonatal ICU infants with GERD symptoms, when controlling for preterm or full-term birth and severity of esophageal acid reflux index, the effectiveness of acid suppression plus a feeding modification bundle (volume restriction, intra- and postprandial body positions, and prolonged feeding periods) vs. acid suppression alone, administered over a 4-week period was not superior in improving symptom scores or feeding outcomes. Restrictive feeding strategies are of no impact in modifying GERD symptoms or clinically meaningful outcomes. Further studies are needed to define true GERD and to identify effective therapies in modifying pathophysiology and outcomes. The improvement in symptoms and feeding outcomes over time irrespective of feeding modifications may suggest a maturational effect. This study justifies the use of placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial among NICU infants with objectively defined GERD.

Anemia of Prematurity and Oral Feeding Milestones in Premature Infants.

OBJECTIVE: Anemia of prematurity (AOP) and oral feeding problems are common in premature infants. This study aimed to determine the influence of AOP on aerodigestive outcomes and the duration to full Per Oral (PO). STUDY DESIGN: Prospectively collected data on premature infants who initiated oral feeds at ≤ 34 weeks' postmenstrual age were examined. Infants were categorized into "AOP+" and "AOP-" based on hematocrit at initial PO, that is, < 29 or ≥ 29%. RESULTS: Forty-four infants in AOP+ compared with 74 in AOP-. AOP+ infants had lower birth gestation and weight (p < 0.001). The anthropometrics at initial PO were similar. AOP+ had lower mean hematocrit and higher oxygen need at initial PO, and at full PO (p < 0.05). AOP+ reached full PO at a later gestation and took longer days from initial PO to full PO (p < 0.01). BPD, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH ≤ 2), and hospital stay were greater in the AOP+ (p < 0.05). After adjusting for covariates, initial PO hematocrit was not predictive of time to full PO [hazard ratio 1.3 (CI 0.88-2.0), p = 0.18]. CONCLUSION: AOP is not independently associated with the duration to full PO. Supplemental oxygen for associated comorbidities may have compensated for the underlying anemia.

Pilot Study of Pharyngoesophageal Dysmotility Mechanisms in Dysphagic Infants of Diabetic Mothers.

OBJECTIVE: Swallowing difficulties are common in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) and mechanisms are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that pharyngoesophageal motility reflexes are distinct in IDMs compared with healthy controls in a pilot study. STUDY DESIGN: Basal and adaptive pharyngoesophageal motility characteristics of 20 dysphagic IDMs and 10 controls were studied using purpose-built micromanometry system. RESULTS: During basal swallows, IDMs had lower frequency of deglutition apneas (62.5 vs. 95.4%) and longer active upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation duration (0.8 ± 0.1 vs. 0.4 ± 0.1 second), whereas during adaptive swallows, IDMs had longer response latency to esophageal peristalsis onset (24.4 ± 2.1 vs. 9.7 ± 2.9 seconds) and longer lower esophageal sphincter nadir duration (28.9 ± 3.2 vs. 12.9 ± 4.6) (all p < 0.05) compared with controls. Nine in the IDM group needed gastrostomy feeding tube at hospital discharge versus none in controls. CONCLUSION: Feeding difficulties in IDMs are likely to be associated with maladapted or maldeveloped vagal neuropathy mechanisms manifesting as dysregulation of pharyngeal-airway interactions, longer active UES relaxation response, delays in the activation of esophageal contractile apparatus during peristalsis, and prolonged inhibition at the gastroesophageal junction.

Stopping Parenteral Nutrition for 3 Hours Reduces False Positives in Newborn Screening.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of holding parenteral nutrition (PN) for 3 hours prior to newborn screening (NBS) on false-positive NBS rate for amino acids (AAs) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (birth weight <1500 g). STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed data from 12 567 consecutive births in 1 hospital between May 2010 and June 2013. VLBW infants were stratified into 3 groups: (1) infants without PN before NBS (no-PN group); (2) infants with early PN running at the time of NBS (early-PN group); and (3) infants with early-PN that were temporarily replaced by dextrose-containing intravenous fluid 3 hours prior to NBS (stop-PN group). We compared the false-positive rate for AA and cost effectiveness between the groups. RESULTS: The false-positive rate for AA among 413 VLBW infants was significantly higher than infants with birth weight >1500 g (7.62% vs 0.05%; P < .001). There were no false-positive results for AA in the no-PN group. The false-positive rate for AA in the stop-PN group (2/65) was significantly lower than the early-PN group (29/245) (3.1% vs 11.8%; P = .037). The stop-PN group was more cost effective than early-PN group, saving $17.27 per infant screened ($5.53 vs $22.80) or $192.54 for each false-positive result for AA averted. Further reductions in inconclusive samples were also noted. CONCLUSIONS: VLBW and early-PN are significant factors for false-positive results for AA. Holding PN containing AAs for 3 hours before NBS collection is a practical and cost-effective method to significantly reduce the false-positive rate for AA in VLBW infants.

Diagnostic challenge of large congenital liver cyst in the newborn.

Liver cysts in the newborn often pose significant diagnostic challenges. Described herein is a case of large congenital liver cyst that was difficult to diagnose both antenatally and postnatally and which was later diagnosed as Caroli disease.

The Accuracy of Transcutaneous Bilirubin as a Screening Test in Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) to predict total serum bilirubin (TSB) in preterm infants across gestational age (GA) ranges and to calculate the cost-effectiveness of TcB as the primary screening test of choice for neonatal jaundice in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings. METHODS: Single-center retrospective study of infants aged ≤ seven days admitted to the NICU over a six-month period with a paired TSB and TcB, with or without phototherapy as part of their routine clinical care. Infants were divided into GA-specific groups as term, late preterm, moderate preterm, and very preterm. Measurement bias (bias=TSB-TcB) was calculated on the paired TSB and TcB values, and a Bland-Altman analysis was carried out. The impacts of additional infant-specific variables on the bias were assessed with univariate and multivariate linear regression techniques. The potential direct cost savings associated with the use of TcB as the primary screening test were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 263 paired TSB and TcB samples from 95 patients were included (130 paired samples from term (n=60), 75 from late preterm (n=21), 27 from moderate preterm (n=7), and 31 from very preterm (n=7)). The mean paired measurement bias across all the GA groups was -0.9 ± 2.9 mg/dL. The sensitivity and specificity of TcB in GA < 35 weeks were 92% and 62%, respectively. A conservative estimate of a one-third reduction in TSB measurement by using TcB as the primary screening test will have a direct cost saving of $3,148 over a six-month period. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that TcB is a safe and potentially cost-effective screening test for jaundice across GA groups.

Risk factors associated with acute kidney injury in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. In a case-control study, medical records of all ELBW infants who were admitted to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between 1 January 2000 and 31 January 2008 were reviewed. During the study period, 12.5% (59/472) of all ELBW infants developed AKI. Forty-six infants with available medical records were matched to 46 controls. The mean gestational age and birth weight of infants with AKI and their controls were 24.7 ± 1.8 vs. 24.9 ± 1.9 weeks (p = 0.61) and 614 ± 128 vs. 616 ± 127 g (p = 0.93), respectively. Infants with AKI had a higher mean airway pressure, a lower mean arterial blood pressure, and higher exposure to cefotaxime than their controls. Infants with AKI also had an increased mortality in comparison to their controls [33/46 (70%) vs. 10/46 (22%), respectively; p < 0.0001), and oliguric patients had a higher mortality than nonoliguric patients [31/38 (81%) vs. 2/8 (25%), respectively, p = 0.003]. Based on our results, we conclude that a high mean airway pressure, low blood pressure, and the use of cefotaxime are associated with renal failure in ELBW infants. AKI in ELBW infants is also associated with an increased mortality, especially in the presence of oliguria.

Predictive ability of postnatal growth failure for adverse feeding-related outcomes in preterm infants: an exploratory study comparing Fenton with INTERGROWTH-21st preterm growth charts.

BACKGROUND: Postnatal growth failure (PGF) can impact the short- and long-term health outcomes in preterm infants. However, PGF rates vary according to the way it is defined and the growth chart used to monitor the postnatal growth. Fenton-2013 growth charts which suggest following intrauterine fetal growth compared to INTERGROWTH-21st, one specifically constructed for monitoring preterm extrauterine growth. OBJECTIVE: Exploratory study to determine the PGF definition at first per oral (PO) that is most predictive of adverse oral feeding-related outcomes in preterm infants. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of preterm infants 24-32 weeks gestation, who were started on cue-based oral feeds at ≤34 weeks gestation were reviewed. Anthropometric data at first PO (weight, length, and head circumference) were compared according to Fenton and INTERGROWTH-21st growth charts. PGF was defined either as <10th percentile, Z-score change (ZSC) of ≥-1.5 from birth, or ZSC of ≥-2.0. Top-quartile (Q4) of feeding-related outcomes (days from first PO to full PO, post-menstrual age at full PO, days from first PO to discharge, and length of hospital stay) was considered as adverse outcome. RESULTS: Of the 125 infants included, the median birth gestation and weight were 29.4 weeks and 1235 g, respectively. Incidence of appropriate, small, and large for gestational age was similar at birth by both growth charts. ZSC -1.5 for weight by Fenton was significantly higher at first PO vs. INTERGROWTH-21st (p=.02), while percentile <10th and ZSC -2.0 rates were similar. The PGF definition based on individual anthropometrics at first PO that has the best area under the curve (AUC) for adverse feeding-related outcomes was used to create a combined PGF definition for each growth chart. The AUC for the combined PGF for the Fenton and INTERGROWTH-21st was similar (p>.05) and both have moderate sensitivity and negative predictive value, but have low specificity, positive predictive value, and positive likelihood ratio for adverse feeding-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The tested definitions of PGF at first PO have only small to moderate predictive ability for adverse feeding-related outcomes in preterm infants.

Diagnostic utility of impedance-pH monitoring in infants of diabetic mothers with oral feeding difficulties.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic utility of impedance-pH monitoring in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) with oral feeding difficulties. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of a consecutive sample of 50 IDM who had impedance-pH monitoring for objective gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) diagnosis. Acid reflux index (ARI) ≥ 7 was considered pathological (ARI+). RESULTS: Impedance-pH monitoring was performed at 42.1-week postmenstrual age. Twenty infants (40%) with ARI+ compared to 30 with ARI < 7 (ARI-). ARI+ had lower weight at study vs. ARI- (p < 0.05). ARI+ had significantly higher reflux parameters but had similar symptom burden and symptom-association scores vs. ARI-. All ARI+ received proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) vs. 7 (23.3%) in ARI- (p < 0.05), but oral feeding outcomes, gastrostomy rate, growth, and hospital length of stay were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic yield of impedance-pH monitoring in IDM is about 40%. However, GERD diagnosis or treatment with PPI did not modify short-term clinical outcomes.

Body adiposity and oral feeding outcomes in infants: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of oral feeding difficulties in high-risk infants is increasing. Desire to take orally can be influenced by hunger and satiety, which may influence growth and body fat. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between body adiposity and infant oral feeding. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study of infants ≥37-week postmenstrual age (PMA). Infants on tube feeding (cases) compared to birth gestation-matched infants on full oral feeding (controls). Body composition was determined by air displacement plethysmography. RESULTS: Overall, 16 cases vs. 16 controls. At study, cases vs. controls had similar PMA, weight and length z-scores, and calorie intake. The mean oral intake was significantly less in cases vs. controls (66 vs. 168 ml/kg/day, p < 0.001). Cases had significantly higher percentage of fat mass (18.7 vs. 10.9) and fat-mass z-score (1.62 vs. 0.08) (p < 0.05), but similar fat-free mass vs. controls. Five case infants required gastrostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Higher body adiposity may worsen the infant oral feeding outcomes.

Infant body composition assessment in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) using air displacement plethysmography: Strategies for implementation into clinical workflow.

Nutritional management is integral to infant care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Recent research on body composition that specifically evaluated fat and fat-free mass has improved our understanding of infant growth and nutritional requirements. The need for body composition monitoring in infants is increasingly recognized as changes in fat mass and fat-free mass associated with early growth can impact clinical outcomes. With the availability of air displacement plethysmography (ADP) as a noninvasive method for assessing infant body composition and published normative gestational age- and sex-specific body composition curves, it is justifiable to integrate this innovation into routine clinical care. Here we describe our experiences in implementing body composition measurement using ADP in routine clinical care in different NICU settings.

Effect of parenteral nutrition duration on patterns of growth and body composition in very low-birth-weight premature infants.

BACKGROUND: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is essential to support premature infants' growth and varies with enteral nutrition (EN) advancement rates. Data on PN duration's impact on premature infants' growth are limited. The aim of this multicenter observational study was to determine the effect of early PN duration on body composition at term corrected gestational age (CGA) in very low-birth-weight (VLBW) premature infants. METHODS: VLBW infants exposed to PN in the first week of life and exposed to significantly different EN regimens were divided into two groups on the basis of early PN duration. Infants with a birth weight (BW) <1000 g and PN duration <28 days and infants with a BW 1000-1500 g and PN duration <14 days were assigned to the "short-PN" group. Infants receiving PN for longer durations were assigned to the "long-PN" group. Body composition was assessed via air displacement plethysmography at term CGA or before discharge. RESULTS: Sixty-two and 53 infants were assigned to the short-PN and long-PN groups, respectively. The two groups were significantly different in BW and GA, so a nested case-control study was conducted after matching 36 infant pairs. Infants in the long-PN group had significantly lower fat-free mass (FFM) z-scores, but both groups had comparable fat mass (FM) z-scores. Long PN was a significant negative predictor of FFM z-score in the multivariate regression analysis. CONCLUSION: In VLBW premature infants, PN duration is negatively associated with FFM z-scores at term CGA without affecting FM z-scores.

Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties in Neonates: Developmental Physiology and Pathophysiology.

Development of enteral and oral feeding milestones in infants is intricately linked to physiologic maturation of the gastrointestinal tract and its complex interplay with cardiorespiratory and central nervous system control and coordination. Assessment of an infant's developmental skills and maturation can guide us with targeted management approaches and prediction of feeding outcomes. In this article, we review and summarize the developmental aspects of oral feeding and swallowing physiology, and current understanding of the pathophysiological changes associated with feeding difficulties in infants.

Extremely Preterm Neonate with a Tracheobronchial Foreign Body: A Case Report.

We report the case of an approximately 27-week gestational-age preterm infant admitted on the day of life number four for evaluation of a foreign body noted on serial chest X-rays. CT of the chest revealed a foreign body present in the trachea, extending from just above the tracheal bifurcation deep into the posterior basilar segment of the right lower lobe. Endoscopic removal of the foreign body revealed a portion of the plastic sheath of the stylet used during intubation. We also provide a brief review of the relevant literature.

Transitioning from gavage to full oral feeds in premature infants: When should we discontinue the nasogastric tube?

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing for discontinuation of nasogastric (NG) tube in premature infants transitioning to oral feeding is not known. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether early removal of NG-tube is appropriate in low-risk premature infants. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of premature infants started on oral feeds at ≤34 weeks gestation were reviewed. Infants were categorized into 'early' or 'late' NG-removal groups based on the proportion of oral intake in the preceding 2-days, i.e., 60-79% or 80-100% of the total volume, respectively. RESULTS: In total 50 infants in early group vs. 43 in late group. Both groups had similar oral intake and weight change in the subsequent 2-days post-NG removal. The days from NG-removal to target oral volume, and to hospital discharge trended shorter in early vs. late group. CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuing NG-tube when the oral feeding competency reaches ~75% of prescribed feeding volume is safe and appropriate in low-risk premature infants.

Persistent feeding difficulties among infants with fetal opioid exposure: mechanisms and clinical reasoning.

Aims: Infants with fetal exposure to opioids have varying pattern of feeding difficulties mainly manifesting as difficulties with aerodigestive adaptation and disruptive feeding behavior. The reasons are unclear; in a pilot study, we determined basal and adaptive pharyngo-esophageal motility in a group of infants with fetal exposure to opioids and persistent feeding difficulties impeding their discharge. Methods: Six infants with fetal opioid exposure compared to 12 controls who underwent basal and adaptive pharyngo-esophageal manometry to characterize the basis for their symptoms. Spontaneous swallows (N = 180) and pharyngeal stimuli (N = 113)-induced swallowing responses were analyzed. Results: Resting upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressure was similar in both the groups, but resting lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was significantly high and it relaxed slowly and inadequately in opioid-exposed infants (p < .05). Upon pharyngeal provocation, opioid-exposed infants had higher LES nadir pressure, increased duration of esophageal body contraction at proximal-, mid-, and distal-esophagus, as well as greater area under the curve with distal esophageal waveforms, compared to controls (all p < .05). Conclusions: These pilot observations are suggestive of up-regulation of central vagal effects with heightened cholinergic excitatory responses and inadequate relaxation responses at the foregut, and may form the basis for persistent feeding difficulties in opioid-exposed infants. Abnormality with both sensory and motor aspects of vagal reflexes may be contributory.

Making a diagnosis of hypertension and defining treatment threshold in very low birth weight infants' need revision?

INTRODUCTION: Recent evidence suggests that preterm birth is a possible risk factor for high blood pressure (BP) in later life. The most widely quoted blood pressure centiles for very low birth weight (VLBW, ≤1500 g birth weight) infants at corrected term gestation is based on a cohort with mostly late preterm or term infants (Zubrow curves). OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the clinical utility of the Zubrow curves in diagnosis of hypertension in VLBW infants at their term corrected gestational age (CGA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a case-control study, we compared BP in 75 VLBW infants at 40 weeks CGA (cases) to 69 full term infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (controls). RESULTS: In spite of having lower weights, VLBW infants compared to term infants (2612.8 ± 546 vs. 3308.2 ± 373 g, P ≤ 0.001) had higher average systolic (88.8 ± 7.6 vs. 82.33 ± 8.5 mm Hg; P ≤ 0.001) and mean BP (61.2 ± 6.6 vs. 57.61 ± 6.9, P = 0.01). Although 41% (31/75) VLBW infants would have met the criteria for hypertension according to Zubrow curves only 4% (3/75) were diagnosed with hypertension. CONCLUSION: Since Zubrow BP centiles were based on a heterogeneous population of infants including preterm and term infants, new BP centiles based on chronological data from VLBW infants would allow a better definition of hypertension in these infants and identify the threshold BP for initiating treatment.