In term infants, both gender and the type of feeding influence the infants' growth. However, there are very little data comparing the growth pattern of hospitalized preterm infants (birth weights<1500 g) fed either standardized preterm formula (PF) or fortified human milk (HM). A retrospective chart review for years 1993 and 1994 of 137 appropriate sized preterm infants concerning weight, length, and head circumference (HC) and feeding type was recorded. Daily weight gains and weekly lengths and HC were tabulated from birth to hospital discharge. As per nursery protocol, all preterm infants received a standard 24cal/oz PF or their own mothers milk that was supplemented by a commericially available fortifier to 24 cal/oz. There was similar number of males (n=67) and females (n=70) whose gestational age(30±2wks), birth weight (1232±162g),length (39±2cm), and HC (27±1cm) were similar. Approximately 65% of the infants received fortified HM and 35% PF. Overall, growth was faster in males than in females(Males: 16.4 g/kg/d, length 0.77 cm/wk. Females: 13.7g/kg/d, length 0.67 cm/wk, P<0.01). In evaluating the effect of feeding on growth, infants on PF gained weight faster than those on fortified HM (Table). The type of feeding did not affect length or HC rates. In conclusion, only weight gain is affected by gender and the type of feeding in preterm infants.

Table 1 No caption available.
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