Abstract
Objective
We examined the effect of two strategies to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants—adherence to a standardized feeding protocol and use of a hospital-based milk bank to provide exclusive preterm human milk feedings.
Study design
We conducted a single-center observational study from 2010 to 2015. Infants received preterm human milk, initially trophic feeds from days 7 to 14 after birth, followed by advancement of 15 mL/kg/day to reach a goal of 180 mL/kg/day. Fortification was used selectively for weight gain < 15 g/kg/day. We determined the incidence of NEC, other morbidities, and growth.
Results
The cohort included 398 ELBW infants who survived to day 14 without congenital anomalies. Mean gestational age was 26.2 ± 1.9 weeks. Maternal milk was used as the sole feeding in 62% of infants; preterm donor milk was used solely or as supplement in 29%. Full feeds were reached at a median of 27 (IQR 23, 33) days. Four infants (1%) developed NEC.
Conclusion
Use of standardized feedings with a hospital-based milk bank is associated with an incidence of NEC lower than previously reported.
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Acknowledgements
We thank Nancy Dock, PhD for her thoughtful review of this manuscript and Charlene Insalaco, RN for her contribution to our human milk bank.
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Murthy, S., Parker, P.R. & Gross, S.J. Low rate of necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely low birth weight infants using a hospital-based preterm milk bank. J Perinatol 39, 108–114 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0235-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0235-3