Study of High-Energy Enteral Nutrition to Improve Growth and Brain Development in Infants With Congenital Heart Disease After Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how high-energy-density enteral nutrition compares to ordinary energy density nutrition in improving physical growth and brain cognitive development in infants with congenital heart disease after surgery. This study also aims to assess the safety of these nutritional interventions in this vulnerable population. Infants who have undergone open heart surgery for congenital heart disease will receive either high-energy-density enteral nutrition 100 cal100 ml or general energy density enteral nutrition 60-88 cal100 ml. The feeding volume will be based on the infants body weight 80-100 mlkg, with adjustments made to feeding volume and frequency as needed. Weight and neurological development will be assessed at admission, before discharge, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge, with safety monitored throughout. Participants will undergo regular evaluations including weight measurements and cognitive assessments at specified time points before discharge and up to six months after. Researchers will monitor nutritional intake, gastrointestinal function, blood markers like albumin and blood lipids, and any feeding-related complications. The primary outcome is the weight-for-age z score at six months after discharge, with several secondary outcomes assessed throughout the study period. The total participation duration spans from hospital admission through six months post-discharge.

Effectiveness of High-Energy Density Enteral Nutrition for Enhancing Physical Growth and Cognitive Brain Development in Infants With Congenital Heart Disease