Energy expenditure and body composition in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia at term age.

Unlabelled: In this cross-sectional study, conducted in a cohort of infants with a gestational age of < 32 weeks, we aimed to evaluate and compare resting energy expenditure (REE) and body composition between infants who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and those who did not. REE and body composition were assessed at term equivalent age using indirect calorimetry and air displacement plethysmography. Anthropometric measurements (weight, head circumference, and length) were obtained and transformed into Z-scores per the Fenton (2013) growth curve, at birth and at term equivalent age. Forty-two infants were included in this study, of which 26.2% developed BPD. Infants with BPD had significantly higher energy expenditure at term equivalent age, with no difference in body composition between the two groups.

Conclusion: Despite expending more energy, infants with BPD maintained a similar body composition distribution to those without BPD, and this is likely due to the recommended nutritional approach.

What Is Known: • Greater resting energy expenditure impairs growth of preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

What Is New: • Although preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia had a higher resting energy expenditure at the corrected term age, this did not affect their body composition and growth.