Effects of Total Parenteral Nutrition on Anthropometric Values and Metabolism in Newborns

Objective: To compare one-year-results of short- and long-term total parenteral nutrition on anthropometric measurements and metabolism in newborns after surgery. Material and Method: This study includes 20 newborns who were treated between June 2003 and October 2006. Total parenteral nutrition was given to the newborns for less than 15 days in the short-term total parenteral nutrition group and for more than 15 days in the long-term total parenteral nutrition group. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical and elemental parameters were evaluated once a week and hormonal parameters twice a week during total parenteral nutrition period. These parameters were measured at 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd, 6 th, and 12th months after stopping total parenteral nutrition. Results: There was a parallel increase in anthropometric measurement values in both groups. One-month cholesterol values in both groups, and high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein in the short-term total parenteral nutrition group were significantly high. Lactate dehydrogenase values at 3 rd month and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase values at 6 th month were significantly low in both groups. One-month phosphorus (P) and 6-month calcium (Ca) values in the long-term total parenteral nutrition group were significantly decreased. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference regarding anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters between short-term total parenteral nutrition and long-term total parenteral nutrition groups. However, there were significant changes in cholesterol, HDL, LDL, LDH, AST, ALT, Ca, and P values at 1 st, 3 rd, and 6 th months. Long-term follow-up can help in understanding of negative effects of total parenteral nutrition on newborn metabolism.