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Nutrition Interventions for Children with Special Health Care Needs

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Chapter 15<br />

Section 3 - Condition-Specific <strong>Nutrition</strong> <strong>Interventions</strong><br />

<strong>Nutrition</strong> <strong>Interventions</strong> <strong>for</strong> the<br />

premature Infant after Discharge<br />

Joan Zerzan MS, RD, CD<br />

Advances in neonatal intensive care, including respiratory management and nutrition<br />

support, have contributed to a dramatic increase in the survival of infants born<br />

prematurely and of low birth weight (LBW). See Table 15-1 <strong>for</strong> definitions. These<br />

infants may experience prolonged hospitalization and medical and nutritional<br />

complications commonly associated <strong>with</strong> their immaturity. Increasing numbers of<br />

“late or moderately preterm infants” are being discharged home be<strong>for</strong>e their due<br />

date. However, these infants represent considerable diversity. Some are discharged<br />

<strong>with</strong>out any major medical complications related to prematurity. Others experience<br />

continuing health problems and emerging neurodevelopmental sequelae after<br />

discharge from the hospital. Medical and developmental complications present at<br />

discharge or that emerge in the post discharge period may further impact the needs<br />

of individual infants (1-3).<br />

Table 15-1: Categories of Infants by Birth Weight & Gestational<br />

Age<br />

Term DefInITIon<br />

Prematurity

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