Resting energy expenditure in preterm newborns with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Abstract

Background & aims: Greater energy expenditure is reported in newborns with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This study assessed resting energy expenditure (REE) in newborns with BPD.

Methods: BPD was classified as mild and moderate/severe. REE was assessed using indirect calorimetry between the time points of the discontinuation of oxygen (O₂) (T1) and at term-equivalent age (T2) in preterm newborns with BPD.

Results: The moderate group (10 newborns) presented with higher REE (kcal/kg/day) after discontinuation of mechanical ventilation and a decrease of 18% between the two time points; 72.7 and 59.6 kcal/kg/day at T1 and T2 respectively (p value 0.08). No differences were observed in REE in the mild BPD group between timepoints; 50.9-56.4 kcal/kg/day at T1 and T2 respectively (p value 0.73).

Conclusion: Newborns with BPD presented different metabolic behaviors depending on the classification criteria: those classified as having moderate BPD showed a decrease in REE toward term-equivalent age.

Keywords: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; Preterm newborn; Resting energy expenditure.