Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(3):174-176 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.027

Nutritional support for preterm infants after discharge: indications for interventions and the role of iron supplementation in comprehensive care

MUDr. Jiří Dušek, Ph.D., MHA1, 2, MUDr. Lenka Nedvědová1, MUDr. Jana Dušková1, 3
1 Neonatologické oddělení, Nemocnice České Budějovice, a. s.
2 Zdravotně sociální fakulta, Jihočeská univerzita v Českých Budějovicích
3 University Hospital Umea, Sweden

Nutrition after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit represents an important period influencing the subsequent growth and neurodevelopment of preterm infants. Infants born before 32 weeks of gestation or with very low birth weight remain at increased risk of postnatal growth restriction and nutritional deficiencies. This article summarizes the main indications for nutritional interventions after hospital discharge, with emphasis on growth monitoring and the role of iron supplementation as part of comprehensive post-discharge care. A practical framework for follow-up and nutritional management in outpatient pediatric practice is also discussed.

Keywords: preterm infant, post-discharge nutrition, growth monitoring, iron supplementation, ferritin, outpatient care.

Accepted: June 22, 2026; Published: July 1, 2026  Show citation

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Dušek J, Nedvědová L, Dušková J. Nutritional support for preterm infants after discharge: indications for interventions and the role of iron supplementation in comprehensive care. Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(3):174-176. doi: 10.36290/ped.2026.027.
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