accumulated
energy deficit and explain the higher percentage of
weight loss and slower weight gain.40,41
Logistic regression analysis also showed that respiratory
distress syndrome is associated with increased weight
loss, which may be secondary to an inadequate supply of
nutrients; this is especially difficult in children with respiratory
failure.42 Sepsis increased the risk of delayed recovery
of birth weight, and has been associated with slower
weight gain during hospitalization;43 newborns with sepsis
may develop intolerance to glucose and lipids, limiting
the supply of these nutrients. As described by other researchers,
43,44 SGA infants recovered their birth weight earlier.
In this study, the SGA preterm infants had a greater
gestational age than those of suitable weight for age (27.7
vs. 30.6 weeks) and may have presented a lower frequency
of conditions that interfere with nutritional therapy.