Growth and Development of an Infant Receiving All Nutrients Exclusively by Vein

Abstract

An infant weighing 2,300 gm (5 lb 1 oz) with atresia of the small bowel from the ligament of Treitz to within 3 cm of the ileocecal junction, and partial atresia of the colon, declined postoperatively to 1,816 gm (4 lb) despite vigorous but conventional supportive care. A 30% solution containing all required nitrogen, calories, and essential nutrients was then infused continuously into the superior vena cava for 44 days when gastrointestinal dysfunction precluded enteral feeding. During the period when nutrition was given entirely intravenously, normal growth and development accompanied increases of 5.0 cm (1.9 in) in head circumference, 6.3 cm (2.5 in) in length, and 1,447 gm (3 lb 3 oz) in weight.