Higher and Standard Doses of Enteral Zinc Supplementation in Very Preterm Infants

After informed consent, the neonates enrolled were randomly allocated to two study groups: group A (higher dose of zinc sulfate 10 mg/day; each 1 mL contains 10 mg of elemental zinc; Pharmacy Division, Songklanagarind Hospital), and group B (standard dose of zinc sulfate 1 mg/day; each 1 mL contains 1 mg of elemental zinc; Pharmacy Division, Songklanagarind Hospital).

The zinc solution was available as a white powder in white opaque plastic container. When normal sterile water was added up to the indicator mark, it provided 60 mL of solution containing 10 mg/mL (osmolality 450 Osm/kg H2O) and 1 mg/mL (osmolality 45 Osm/kg H2O) of elemental zinc with similar color, taste and packing. The two doses of zinc preparations were provided in identical bottles and was labeled only zinc solution, hospital number and name-surname, without indication of group identity (A or B) or concentration by a neonatal registered pharmacist in the study center (only unblinded investigator who recorded the group allocation according to the randomization list in consecutive participant). This information was not available to the investigators during the data had been obtained, entered in the database, and analyzed by a blinded statistician.

After randomization, nurses blinded to the study aims administered the assigned preparation 1 mL via tuberculin syringe, once daily, 1 h after feeding. Zinc sulphate oral solution was prepared by the pharmaceutical compounding unit in the hospital. Each subject received a 60-mL bottle solution individually and continued the medication until finished, either at a concentration of 1 or 10 mg/mL, depending on the study group. The supplement was given again to subjects who vomited within 15 min after the administration. All episodes of vomiting were reported on the record form. Vomiting episodes within 15 min were recorded. The supplement assigned was discontinued at discharge or at 44 weeks' postmenstrual age whichever came first. Both groups received multivitamin products (1 mL/day) and iron supplement (2-3 mg/kg/day) as routine preterm care.

Inclusion criteria

• Very preterm neonates (gestational age [GA]: 24 0/7-32 6/7 weeks and BW: 401-1800 grams) were consecutively admitted in the NICU and NMCU
• Body weight at enrollment less than 800 grams
• Stable neonates and full enteral feeding (150 mL/kg/day) at least for a few days

Exclusion criteria

• Outborn neonate who was admitted in study center after 7 days of life
• Congenital infections
• Malformations, syndromes, or genetic defects
• Evidence of culture proven sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis or death diagnosed before enrollment
• Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery or high GI fluid output (usually ileostomy losses)
• Unstable neonate during weighing including on intercostal drainage tube or drainage
• Neonates need diuretics more than 7 days
• Severe birth asphyxia (5-minute Apgar score less than 4)
• Parents' decision not to participate the study