What should be the goal GIR for pre-term and term infants?

The goal glucose infusion rate (GIR) for pre-term and term infants is critical for ensuring adequate energy supply during the early days of life when they are unable to consume enough calories orally. A GIR of 10-14 mg/kg/min is considered optimal for these infants to promote growth and development while minimizing the risk of complications such as hyperglycemia or other metabolic disturbances.

This range allows for the provision of sufficient glucose to support basic metabolic needs, promote energy balance, and prevent the catabolism of body tissues, which is vital during the rapid growth phase of infancy. Furthermore, adherence to this GIR helps in the management of potential conditions such as neonatal hypoglycemia, which can occur if glucose supply is insufficient.

While higher GIR values may be necessary in certain clinical situations or specific populations, the standard recommendation for stable pre-term and term infants falls within the 10-14 mg/kg/min range, making this the appropriate choice. The other ranges are either too low or too high for the general population of newborns, which could lead to suboptimal metabolic support or increased risk of complications.