Incidence and Risk Factors of Refeeding Syndrome in Preterm Infants

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors associated with refeeding syndrome (RFS) in preterm infants (≤32 weeks gestational age) during their first week of life. Infants (gestational age ≤ 32 weeks; birth weight < 1500 g) who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), level III, and received parenteral nutrition between January 2015 and April 2024 were retrospectively evaluated. Modified log-Poisson regression with generalized linear models and a robust variance estimator was applied to adjust the relative risk of risk factors. Of the 760 infants identified, 289 (38%) developed RFS. In the multivariable regression analysis, male, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and sodium phosphate significantly affected RFS. Male infants had significantly increased RFS risk (aRR1.31; 95% CI 1.08–1.59). The RFS risk was significantly higher in infants with IVH (aRR 1.71; 95% CI 1.27–2.13). However, infants who received higher sodium phosphate in their first week of life had significantly lower RFS risk (aRR 0.67; 95% 0.47–0.98). This study revealed a notable incidence of RFS among preterm infants aged ≤32 gestational weeks, with sex, IVH, and low sodium phosphate as significant risk factors. Refined RFS diagnostic criteria and targeted interventions are needed for optimal management.