Micronutrients supplementation and the outcome in preterm neonates in a tertiary health centre

Abstract

Abstract: Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year.1 Preterm infants commonly experience postnatal growth failure due to insufficient intake of micronutrients. We aim to determine the outcome of preterm neonates thatreceived micronutrients.

Methods: The study subjects comprised of 210 preterm neonates admitted to (SCBU) of Federal Medical Centre, Brinin kebbi, Kebbi State from 1st June 2020 to 30st May, 2022. The subjects were randomized into two groups; 100 preterm neonates (Study group) received micronutrients (Reload; Reload Brands, LLC, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA) while, 110 preterm neonates (Control group) did not receive micronutrients. Biodata and other important
information were obtained. All the babies (210) received the usual treatment protocol of preterm admitted to our SCBU. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research and Ethics Committee.

Results: Birth weights of the 210 neonates ranged from 800grams to the highest 2500grams with mean
CC –BY 4.0 birth weight of 1.54kg ±0.95. Average daily weight gains in 71% of the study subjects ranged from
25grams to a maximum of 29 grams per day while, in the non- micronutrients group, 54% had daily weight gain range of 10- 14grams per day (p = 0.001). Twelve (12%) of the Micronutrient group (MG) and 30% 0f the
Non-Micronutrient group (NMG) had need for blood transfusion respectively (p = 0.002). The average ho sp ital stay was 22.95±9.68; hospital stay for the MG was 8 to 21 days while that of the NMG was 22 to 42 days (p =0.001).

C o n c l u s i o n s : M i c r o n u t r i -ents intake were in consistent with optimal weight gain, shorter hospital stay and lower need for blood transfusion in preterm newborns.

Recommendations: We recommend early commencement of mi c r o n u t r i e n t s u p p leme n t
(Reloads) in preterm babies.

Key Words: Micronutrients, outcome, neonates