Augusta University
Preterm infants born prematurely are more likely to have low zinc levels because they have less time to build up zinc before birth. They also have smaller zinc stores after birth and may need more zinc to support their rapid growth. This study will examine how growth is affected in premature babies receiving either the current dose or a higher dose of zinc supplementation. The zinc supplement will be given daily, starting according to the unit's standard feeding guidelines, and will be stopped based on usual standard-of-care practices. Possible risks of zinc supplementation include gastrointestinal intolerance (such as vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort) and anemia. Possible benefits include improved growth, a stronger immune system, a shorter hospital stay, and lower healthcare costs.
The purpose of this open label randomized control study is to evaluate whether zinc supplementation administered at higher recommended dose that is within established safety limits improves neonatal weight velocity compared with current supplementation. The primary objective of this study is to assess an increase in weight velocity in preterm infants receiving a FDA approved zinc supplementation dose of 3 mg/kg/day compared with 1 mg/kg/day (minimum 1 mg/day to ensure dose is measurable) from birth to 36 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA) or at discharge from the NICU, whichever occurs first. Seco…
Inclusion Criteria: * Birth weight: 750-1500 grams Exclusion Criteria: * Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation (SIP) * Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) * Gastrointestinal anomalies (gastroschisis, omphalocele, or intestinal atresia) * Infants on formula milk
Neonates in this arm will receive the lower standardized enteral zinc dosing
Neonates in this arm will receive the higher standardized enteral zinc dosing
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