Improved linear growth after routine zinc supplementation in preterm very low birth weight infants.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study was designed (1) to compare growth, morbidity and mortality in < 33-week gestational age (GA) (very preterm, VPT) or very low birth weight (BW < 1500 grams, VLBW) infants before (Epoch-1) and after implementing routine enteral zinc (Zn) supplementation (Epoch-2) to meet recommendations, and (2) to assess serum Zn levels and associated variables.

Methods

Single-center prospective cohort of 826 infants. The primary outcome was the change (Δ) in Z-scores of accurate length (Δlength_z), weight and head circumference from birth to discharge home.

Results

In Epoch-2 vs Epoch-1 Δlength_z adjusted for confounding variables increased by 0.27 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13, 0.42, P < 0.001]. However, morbidity and mortality did not

SUBMITTER: Seidu TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12549326 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature