Impact of Electrolyte Intake (Sodium, Phosphorus) on the Growth of Premature Newborns

Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is a common complication in the medical management of premature newborns. The long-term consequences of EUGR are weight and height restriction, metabolic disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The main risk factor for EUGR is nutritional deficiency, particularly protein and energy. Additionally, appropriate intakes of electrolytes, particularly sodium and phosphorus, are essential to promote harmonious growth. Adequate sodium intake is essential to ensure satisfactory growth, especially in premature babies due to their higher body water content. Adequate phosphorus intake is also essential because of its involvement in the formation of lean mass, with sufficient protein intake, and in phosphocalcic metabolism.

At the Regional University Maternity of Nancy, parenteral and enteral nutrition prescriptions for each premature newborn are made using the Logipren® prescription assistance software, based on ESPGHAN recommendations. Despite this theoretical security, it seems that they are not strictly respected. At the same time, premature newborns typically show weight loss often greater than -1 z-score.

The objective of this research is to study the impact of electrolyte intake (sodium and phosphorus) on growth trajectories and the incidence of EUGR in premature newborns discharged from the Nancy Maternity Hospital in 2023. The secondary criteria are to describe sodium, phosphorus, protein and calorie intake and compliance with ESPGHAN recommendations; assess the true prevalence of stunting in our study population; and the impact of meeting electrolyte intake recommendations on children's growth trajectory, taking into account protein and calorie intake.