Growth, biochemical and haematological status of very low birth weight premature infants.

Very low birth weight (less than 1500 g) premature (less than 33/52) infants were studied while fed on Alprem for the first 10 weeks of life. After initial weight loss due to inadequate intake, weight gain was satisfactory and steady. The need for sodium and potassium exceeded the amount supplied in the milk only in the initial period. However, the serum calcium and phosphate levels were slightly decreased especially in the later period of the study, accompanied by marked elevation in alkaline phosphatase values. Alprem appears to be able to sustain adequate growth in small prematures though early sodium and potassium, and late calcium and phosphate supplements seem necessary.