Improved Visual Perception in Very Low Birth Weight Infants on Enhanced Nutrient Supply.

Background: Optimal nutrient supply to very low birth weight (VLBW: BW <1,500 g) infants is important for growth and neurodevelopment. Growth restriction is common among these infants and may be associated with neurocognitive impairments.

Objectives: To compare an enhanced nutrient supply to a routine supply given to VLBW infants and to evaluate the effects on visual perception of global form and motion measured by visual event-related potentials (VERP).

Methods: A total of 50 VLBW infants were randomized to an intervention group that received an increased supply of energy, protein, fat, essential fatty acids, and vitamin A or a control group that received standard nutritional care. At 5 months' corrected age the infants were examined using VERP to investigate the responses to global form and motion. VERP were analysed at the first (f1) and third (f3) harmonics of the stimulus frequency.

Results: Data from 31 subjects were eligible for analysis. The motion VERP responses for the f1 and f3 components were stronger in the area near the posterior midline region in the intervention group compared to the controls in the group analyses (p = 0.02 and p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: The results showed a more consistent response to global motion among infants receiving enhanced nutrition. The intervention may have improved visual perception of global motion.