What does intravenous hyperalimentation therapy for premature infants mean?

Parenteral nutrition therapy for premature infants generally refers to the intravenous administration of nutrient solutions to ensure adequate nutritional support.

This therapy primarily involves placing a central venous catheter to deliver highly nutritious fluid directly into the bloodstream of premature infants. The nutrient solution typically contains high concentrations of fat emulsions, amino acids, vitamins, glucose, and various trace elements, which help maintain sufficient nutritional supply, stabilize blood glucose levels, and preserve internal homeostasis. Since premature infants often have immature organ development and limited milk intake, doctors evaluate each infant's specific condition and may recommend parenteral nutrition therapy to promote proper growth and development. Once vital signs and other physiological indicators return to normal, this therapy can be discontinued.

Parenteral nutrition therapy is generally indicated for newborns who cannot receive gastrointestinal feeding for more than three days or whose enteral intake provides less than 70% of their required caloric needs.