Quality improvement project in a neonatal intensive care unit reduced the prevalence and duration of hypophosphatemia with significant and sustainable results

Hypophosphatemia is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and may affect growth, bone mineralization, nephrocalcinosis, and mortality in preterm infants. Optimal nutrition practices may decrease risk for hypophosphatemia and improve outcome. A quality improvement project was established to improve parenteral and enteral phosphorus intake with the goal to decrease prevalence and duration of hypophosphatemia in the first 14 days in infants