1.
Individualized Human Milk Fortification to Improve the Growth of Hospitalized Preterm Infants.
Quan, M, Wang, D, Gou, L, Sun, Z, Ma, J, Zhang, L, Wang, C, Schibler, K, Li, Z
Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. 2020;(4):680-688
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human milk (HM) is the first choice for preterm infants, but exclusive HM feeding is inadequate for the growth of very preterm infants. The hypothesis of this trial is that infants fed according to an individualized fortification regimen will have higher protein intake and improved weight gain velocity (WGV). METHODS A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted. Infants <34 weeks of gestational age were enrolled when enteral feeding volume reached 60 mL/kg/d and were randomly allocated to the individualized fortification (IF) group or the standard fortification group. The IF group was fed using a regimen that featured modifying HM fortifier and supplemental protein powder based on the protein concentration in HM, current body weight of infants, and blood urea nitrogen (fortification level was set as L-1, L0, L1, L2, L3; the amount of HM fortifier and protein powder were determined accordingly). RESULTS Between September 2012 and August 2016, 51 preterm infants completed the study. In the IF group, 62.5% (15/24) of preterm infants were fed with HM fortified to level 1, 29.2% (7/24) to level 2, and 12.5% (3/24) to level 3. The WGV of the third week in the IF group was greater than the standard group (20.8 ± 7.9 vs 14.9 ± 4.5 g/kg/d, P = 0.022). CONCLUSION About two-thirds of preterm infants needed to adjust the HM fortification to a higher level. The WGV of infants in the IF group was better than that of the standard group in the third week of this study.
2.
A randomized controlled trial protocol comparing the feeds of fresh versus frozen mother's own milk for preterm infants in the NICU.
Sun, H, Cao, Y, Han, S, Cheng, R, Liu, L, Liu, J, Xia, S, Zhang, J, Li, Z, Cheng, X, et al
Trials. 2020;(1):170
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of death among preterm infants born at < 30 weeks' gestation. The incidence of NEC is reduced when infants are fed human milk. However, in many neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), it is standard practice to freeze and/or pasteurize human milk, which deactivates bioactive components that may offer additional protective benefits. Indeed, our pilot study showed that one feed of fresh mother's own milk per day was safe, feasible, and can reduce morbidity in preterm infants. To further evaluate the benefits of fresh human milk in the NICU, a randomized controlled trial is needed. METHODS Our prospective multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial will include infants born at < 30 weeks' gestation and admitted to one of 29 tertiary NICUs in China. Infants in the intervention (fresh human milk) group (n = 1549) will receive at least two feeds of fresh human milk (i.e., within 4 h of expression) per day from the time of enrollment until 32 weeks' corrected age or discharge to home. Infants in the control group (n = 1549) will receive previously frozen human milk following the current standard protocols. Following informed consent, enrolled infants will be randomly allocated to the control or fresh human milk groups. The primary outcome is the composite outcome mortality or NEC ≥ stage 2 at 32 weeks' corrected age, and the secondary outcomes are mortality, NEC ≥ stage 2, NEC needing surgery, late-onset sepsis, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), weight gain, change in weight, increase in length, increase in head circumference, time to full enteral feeds, and finally, the number and type of critical incident reports, including feeding errors. DISCUSSION Our double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial aims to examine whether fresh human milk can improve infant outcomes. The results of this study will impact both Chinese and international medical practice and feeding policy for preterm infants. In addition, data from our study will inform changes in health policy in NICUs across China, such that mothers are encouraged to enter the NICU and express fresh milk for their infants. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; #ChiCTR1900020577; registered January 1, 2019; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=34276.
3.
Effect of different doses of vitamin D supplementation on preterm infants - an updated meta-analysis.
Yang, Y, Li, Z, Yan, G, Jie, Q, Rui, C
The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians. 2018;(22):3065-3074
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common among infants, especially in preterm babies. There are some controversies over its use on body development, immune function and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). METHODS We systematically reviewed PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies in English, and in Wanfang, VIP, and Cnki databases for Chinese studies (databases were last launched on 1 August 2016). RESULTS Twelve original random controlled studies (seven in English and five in Chinese) were included (1). There are no differences between high-dose (800-1000 IU/d) and low-dose (400 IU/d) groups on calcium, phosphorus, and 25(OH)D concentrations (p > .05). However, length gain and head circumference gain are significantly increased in the high-dose group (p < .05) (2). IL-2, Ig-A, and Ig-G levels are significant increased in the vitamin D supplementation group compared with the control group (p < .05) (3). With respect to BPD, there is no significant difference between the vitamin D supplementation group and the control group (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS In preterm infants, daily supplementation of vitamin D in doses of 800-1000 IU compared with 400 IU appears to be better not only in development but also in immune function. But clinical trials with a larger sample size are still needed.