Diluted formula for beginning the feeding of premature infants
W. J. Currao, C. Cox and D. L. Shapiro
Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester (NY) School of Medicine.
To evaluate whether there is a preferable mode of advancing feedings in
premature infants, 50 infants with birth weights of less than 1500 g were
randomized into two groups. Twenty-eight infants were begun on a regimen of
full-strength (FS) formula (84 J/30 mL [20 cal/oz]), and the volume of
formula was advanced on a daily basis. Twenty-two infants received
half-strength formula (equal parts, 84 J/30 mL [20 cal/oz] formula and
water) and were advanced at twice the volume per feeding as the FS group.
The groups were compared with respect to the amount of time needed to reach
an enteral energy intake of 420 J (100 cal)/kg. The half-strength feeding
group had fewer residuals and reached the indicated energy intake level
earlier than infants in the FS group.
