RESUMEN
Background: Providing adequate nutritional support to neonates and children undergoing surgery is crucial for their recovery and overall health outcomes. However, there are various challenges associated with this, including the unique nutritional requirements of this population and the potential complications that can arise pre- and post-surgery. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to assess the practices and challenges in providing nutritional support to neonates and children both pre- and post-surgery, and to analyze its impact on recovery and outcomes. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 200 neonates and children who underwent surgery over a two-year period. Data regarding preoperative nutritional status, types of nutritional support provided, postoperative complications, and recovery outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: The study found that 65% of neonates and children were malnourished preoperatively, with 45% experiencing delays in initiating enteral feeding post-surgery due to complications such as gastrointestinal intolerance and surgical complications. Among those who received parenteral nutrition, 30% developed catheter-related bloodstream infections. Overall, the mean length of hospital stay was prolonged by 7 days in malnourished patients compared to adequately nourished patients. Conclusion: Effective nutritional support in neonates and children undergoing surgery is essential for optimal recovery and outcomes. However, significant challenges exist, including preoperative malnutrition, delays in initiating enteral feeding, and complications associated with parenteral nutrition. Strategies to optimize nutritional status preoperatively, minimize postoperative complications, and enhance nutritional support are imperative to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.
RESUMEN
Background: Parental involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has been recognized as crucial for neonatal outcomes and parental mental health. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving 300 neonates admitted to the NICU over 1 year. Parental involvement was categorized into three levels: high, moderate, and low, based on the frequency and intensity of parental participation in neonatal care. Neonatal outcomes including the length of hospital stay, incidence of complications, and parental mental health outcomes measured through standardized scales were compared among the three groups. Results: Neonates with high parental involvement had a significantly shorter length of hospital stay (mean difference = 5 days, P < 0.001) compared to those with moderate or low involvement. Complication rates were also lower in the high involvement group (20%) compared to moderate (35%) and low (45%) involvement groups. Parental mental health scores were the highest in the high involvement group (mean score = 75), followed by moderate (mean score = 60) and low (mean score = 45) involvement groups. Conclusion: Higher levels of parental involvement in the NICU are associated with improved neonatal outcomes and better parental mental health.