Abstract:
Background: Preterm birth remains a major public health challenge in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, where neonatal morbidity and impaired growth are closely linked to early nutritional strategies. Optimizing enteral and parenteral feeding practices is essential to promote postnatal recovery and development in this vulnerable population.
Aims: To analyze postnatal growth trajectories using anthropometric z-scores and to identify neonatal, maternal, and care-related factors associated with enteral versus parenteral nutrition among preterm infants.
Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study was conducted at CHU Avicenne, Rabat, Morocco. Clinical data were collected from preterm newborns admitted between April and October 2023. Weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (HAZ), and head circumference-for-age (HCZ) z-scores were assessed at birth and during follow-up up to six months. Longitudinal changes were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis. Associations between feeding modality and clinical and maternal variables were explored using bivariate analyses and logistic regression.
Results: Enteral nutrition was the predominant feeding strategy (97.4%), while parenteral nutrition was required in a small subgroup (2.6%). All anthropometric indicators improved significantly over time (p < 0.001), reflecting progressive catch-up growth. Infants receiving enteral nutrition showed more favorable and homogeneous growth trajectories. Parenteral nutrition was associated with male sex, absence of antenatal pulmonary maturation, antibiotic exposure, lack of breastfeeding, and early clinical instability. Breastfeeding, vitamin D supplementation, and phototherapy were protective factors.
Conclusion: neonatal nurses in monitoring growth is essentaial, supporting feeding practices, coordinating multidisciplinary care, and educating families to optimize postnatal development.
Biography:
Researcher at the Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Hassan First University of Settat, Morocco. Her research focuses on maternal and neonatal health, perinatal epidemiology, patient safety, simulation-based education, and healthcare quality improvement. She has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on prematurity, neonatal growth, respiratory distress, maternal risk factors, and innovative teaching strategies in health professions education. Dr. Mochhoury is actively involved in research supervision, scientific reviewing, and the development of simulation and digital learning programs aimed at improving clinical practice and health outcomes.
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