Early Human Milk Fortification in Infants Born Extremely Preterm: A Randomized Trial

Standardizing feeding strategies for preterm infants born greater than 1500 grams

BACKGROUND

Use of standardized feeding protocols and donor breast milk (DBM) have been studied primarily in infants born <1500 g and not examined exclusively in infants born >1500 g.

METHODS

In this retrospective pre-post-implementation cohort study, we evaluated a protocol for preterm infants born >1500 g that was implemented clinically to standardize feeding advancements at 30 mL/kg/day, with infants born <33 weeks eligible to receive DBM. We compared placement of peripherally inserted central catheters for parenteral nutrition, feeding tolerance, growth, and maternal milk provision in the 18 months before/after implementation. The association between DBM intake and growth was evaluated using multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

We identified 133 and 148 eligible infants pre/post-implementation. Frequency of peripherally inserted central catheters and rate of maternal milk provision was not statistically different. While there was no difference in median days to full enteral volume, there was a narrower distribution post-implementation (p < 0.001). Growth was similar between eras, but each 10% increase in DBM was associated with 1.0 g/d decrease in weight velocity (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A feeding protocol for preterm infants >1500 g is associated with more consistent time to full enteral volume. Further investigation is needed to clarify DBM's impact on growth in this population.

IMPACT

Despite practice creep, no study has examined the use of standardized feeding protocols or pasteurized donor breast milk exclusively in infants >1500 g. A feeding protocol in this population may achieve full enteral feedings more consistently. With appropriate fortification, donor breast milk can support adequate growth in infants born >1500 g but warrants further study.

Nutritional Strategies for Preterm Neonates and Preterm Neonates Undergoing Surgery: New Insights for Practice and Wrong Beliefs to Uproot

The nutrition of preterm infants remains contaminated by wrong beliefs that reflect inexactitudes and perpetuate old practices. In this narrative review, we report current evidence in preterm neonates and in preterm neonates undergoing surgery. Convictions that necrotizing enterocolitis is reduced by the delay in introducing enteral feeding, a slow advancement in enteral feeds, and the systematic control of residual gastric volumes, should be abandoned. On the contrary, these practices prolong the time to reach full enteral feeding. The length of parenteral nutrition should be as short as possible to reduce the infectious risk. Intrauterine growth restriction, hemodynamic and respiratory instability, and patent ductus arteriosus should be considered in advancing enteral feeds, but they must not translate into prolonged fasting, which can be equally dangerous. Clinicians should also keep in mind the risk of refeeding syndrome in case of high amino acid intake and inadequate electrolyte supply, closely monitoring them. Conversely, when preterm infants undergo surgery, nutritional strategies are still based on retrospective studies and opinions rather than on randomized controlled trials. Finally, this review also highlights how the use of adequately fortified human milk is strongly recommended, as it offers unique benefits for immune and gastrointestinal health and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Point-of-care human milk concentration by passive osmosis: comprehensive analysis of fresh human milk samples

OBJECTIVE

Preterm infants need enrichment of human milk (HM) for optimal growth. This study evaluated a novel, point-of-care human milk concentration (HMC) process for water removal from fresh HM samples by passive osmotic concentration.

STUDY DESIGN

Nineteen fresh HM samples were concentrated by incubation with the HMC devices for 3 h at 4 °C. Pre- and post-concentration HM samples were compared by HM properties for: pH, osmolality, macronutrients, enzyme activity, bioactive, and total cell viability.

RESULTS

Passive osmotic concentration reduced HM volume by an average of 16.3% ± 3.8% without a significant effect on pH or cell viability. Ten of the 41 HM components did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between pre- and post-concentration samples. Twenty-three increased within the expected range by volume reduction. Six increased more than expected, two less than expected, and none decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION

Passive osmotic concentration of fresh HM can concentrate HM components by selective removal of water. HM osmolality and pH remained within neonatal feeding parameters.