Impact of nutrition in the treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

BACKGROUND

The optimum enteral (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) regimens during acute management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remain unclear. We examined the effects of EN and PN on weight gain in CDH patients.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective cohort study of neonates with CDH (born 2006-2010; n = 105) who survived to discharge was conducted. Patients were divided as receiving PN ≥ or <50 kcal/kg/day at 1 week of age, and EN ≥ or <60 kcal/kg/day at 2 weeks of age. Changes in bodyweight at 30, 60, and 90 days of age were compared.

RESULTS

The higher EN group (n = 39) had greater mean weight gain than the lower EN group (n = 66; 90 days: 2,501 g, 95% CI: 2,294-2,710 g vs 1,706 g, 95% CI: 1,553-1,861 g; P <0.001). When patients received lower EN, the higher PN group (n = 24) had greater mean weight gain than the lower PN group (n = 42; 90 days: 1,768 g, 95% CI: 1,574-1,961 g vs 1,411 g, 95% CI: 1,264-1,558 g; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The amount of EN in the acute phase of CDH management is essential for weight gain during infancy. When patients are intolerant to adequate EN, supportive PN is also essential.

© 2019 Japan Pediatric Society.