Energy requirements of surgical newborn infants receiving parenteral nutrition

The energy requirement for mature newborn infants receiving total parenteral nutrition is similar to 100 kcal.kg(-1).d(-1) There is no necessity to increase the caloric intake after an uncomplicated operation. Energy requirements are affected by the maturity of the infant, the degree of operative stress, opioid medication, and the presence or absence of sepsis. In general, glucose intake should not exceed the resting energy expenditure. Glucose administration exceeding 18 g.kg(-1).d(-1) is associated with lipogenesis and reduced oxygenation of exogenous lipid. Resting energy expenditure varies widely between infants, and energy intake, based on clinical and biochemical monitoring, should be adjusted for individual patients. (C) Elsevier Science Inc. 1998.