Photoprotection of parenteral nutrition enhances advancement of minimal enteral nutrition in preterm infants.
BACKGROUND: Light exposure of TPN generates peroxides which induce vasoconstriction. Mesenteric vasoconstriction may affect feeding tolerance. Since photo-protection of TPN decreases peroxide generation, we hypothesized that shielding TPN from light may improve the establishment of minimal enteral nutrition in preterm infants. METHODS: Infants were randomized to TPN being light exposed (LE) or protected (LP) from birth. Feeding volumes were monitored through 7 days of life in those initiated on minimal enteral nutrition (MEN). Comparisons between LP and LE were performed by ANOVA. RESULTS: Daily increments and cumulative volumes of enteral feeds (mL/kg birth weight/d) during the first week of life were significantly higher in LP (n = 18) than LE (n = 19). CONCLUSION: Photo-protection of parenteral nutrition enhances advancement of MEN in preterm infants. Further research is needed to substantiate these findings and determine whether this confers long-term nutritional advantages.