This study evaluates the relationship between growth and stool microbiota in premature infants.

Preterm infants often require increased caloric intake to maintain appropriate growth while in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While some infants will have a clear source of need for greater calories, it is often not obvious why others require increased available calories to maintain appropriate growth. Emerging evidence suggests that patterns of gut microbiota may play a role in infant and childhood growth. We hypothesize that differences in the microbial pattern in preterm infants is related to poor growth and need for increased caloric intake. This may ultimately represent a therapeutic target to improve the growth of preterm infants in the NICU. This study aims to describe the differences in microbiome which may vary with growth pattern.

Inclusion Criteria:

All infants less than 28 weeks gestation who are admitted to the Parkland Hospital NICU.

Exclusion Criteria:

Infants >27 weeks gestation. Infants with major congenital anomalies which may alter growth patterns.

Preterm infants born at less than 28 weeks gestation will be eligible from birth until discharge. Infants with major congenital anomalies which alter growth patterns will be excluded.