Standardized Parenteral Nutrition in the Very Low Birth Weight Infant: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Nutrition of the premature infant has been gaining importance as evidence emerges that early support in the critical period plays an important role in the long-term health and neurodevelopment of very low birth weight neonates (VLBW). Traditionally, the components of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were prescribed individually, but more recently, standardized formulations have been introduced which may result in cost savings without affecting overall nutrition and growth. This systematic literature review comprehensively synthesized the existing evidence to date to determine if standardized TPN is an evidenced-based, cost-effective means to deliver early nutrition to VLBW infants.