Effect of Early Fortification With 100% Human Milk–Derived Fortifier on Growth of Preterm Neonates: A Pilot Study
Maneesha Pandurang Halkar, Ranjan Kumar Pejaver, Priya Shivalli, Vikram Reddy
Abstract
Background: Preterm neonates have a greater requirement of nutrients that are vital in the first few weeks of life. A 100% human milk–derived fortifier (HMDF) can provide early and effective fortification for preterm neonates.
Aim: To study the effect of early fortification with a 100% HMDF on feed tolerance and growth outcomes of preterm neonates
Materials and Methods: A single-center, pilot study was conducted on 5 neonates with a birth weight of 800 to 1500 g. Early fortification was initiated as per the chief neonatologist’s guidance and was based on each neonate’s requirements.
Results: The mean age and weight of the neonates before the initiation of fortification were 7.2 ± 2.2 days and 1068 ± 179.08 g, respectively. The mean feed volume was 52.2 ± 11.75 mL/kg/d, with the lowest at 36 mL/kg/d and the highest at 66 mL/kg/d. No episodes of feed interruptions were reported. Growth outcomes at the end of the study showed 18.14 ± 2.13 g mean weight gain/d, 1.65 ± 0.55 mm mean length gain/d, and 1.45 ± 0.20 mm mean head circumference gain/d. There was an increase in the mean total proteins by 1.46 g/dL.
Conclusion: Early fortification with 100% HMDF provides good feed tolerance and adequate growth with optimal amounts of proteins in both extremely low-birth-weight and very-low-birth-weight neonates, without compromising on the benefits of an exclusively human milk–based diet.
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