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Pithia N, Grogan T, Garg M, Kesavan K, Calkins KL. A Pilot Single-Site Randomized Control Trial: Investigating the Use of Donor Milk in Late Preterm and Term Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2427-e2435. [PMID: 37647913 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1771261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to study donor milk (DM) supplementation when mother's own milk (MOM) was unavailable in term and late preterm infants (LPIs) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We hypothesized that this study would be feasible, defined by the rate of consent, diet adherence, and study completion. We further hypothesized that compared with formula supplementation, DM supplementation, for no longer than 7 days from birth, would be associated with an increase in breastfeeding attempts and the percentage of MOM (MOM%) without adversely affecting growth. Breastfeeding attempts and MOM% were assessed over 48 hours at the end of the intervention, which was defined as NICU discharge or at the end of supplementation, whichever came sooner. STUDY DESIGN This was a pilot study (n = 32). Infants with a gestational age > 34 weeks admitted to the NICU were included. Infants were randomized to one of two groups: human milk (MOM + DM) or formula (MOM + F). RESULTS The consent rate was 52%. Adherence to the study diet was 97%, and completion was 100%. When the MOM + DM group was compared with the MOM + F group, there was no difference in breastfeeding attempts (median [interquartile range]: 3.5 [1.5-6] vs. 1.5 [0.5-4] times, p = 0.1) or MOM% (60 vs. 59%, p = 0.9). Weight and length at multiple time points were similar when the groups were compared. CONCLUSION A study randomizing term and LPIs in the NICU to DM or formula when MOM was unavailable is feasible. It remains unclear if DM improves breastfeeding success in this population. KEY POINTS · A study that randomizes term and late preterm infants in the NICU to DM or formula supplementation when mother's own milk is not available is feasible.. · It remains unclear if DM compared to formula supplementation improves direct breastfeeding.. · In general, growth was similar in infants who received DM or formula as a supplement..
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema Pithia
- Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Research Center of the University of California Los Angeles Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tristan Grogan
- Department of Medicine, Statistics Core, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Meena Garg
- Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Research Center of the University of California Los Angeles Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kalpashri Kesavan
- Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Research Center of the University of California Los Angeles Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kara L Calkins
- Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Research Center of the University of California Los Angeles Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Tetarbe M, Chang MR, Barton L, Cayabyab R, Ramanathan R. Economic and Clinical Impact of Using Human Milk-Derived Fortifier in Very Low Birth Weight Infants. Breastfeed Med 2024; 19:114-119. [PMID: 38294868 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2023.0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Background: Implementation of exclusive human milk (EHM) feeding defined as mother's own milk or donor human milk fortified with human milk-derived fortifiers can place an economic burden on institutions. Methods: Retrospective study of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants before and after the implementation of EHM feedings. Neonatal demographics and clinical outcomes including necrotizing enterocolitis, severe retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, late-onset sepsis, days on parenteral nutrition (PN), and length-of-stay were collected. The net cost to the institution was estimated using published data. Results: Sixty-four infants in the pre-EHM period and 57 infants in the post-EHM period were enrolled. Net product acquisition cost in 2020 and 2021 was $884,823. The EHM feeding guideline led to a reduction in the mean length of stay and mean days of PN use by 6.3 and 6.8 days per infant, respectively. This led to a cost saving of $1,813,444 ($31,815 per infant). No significant difference in incidence of short-term morbidities was observed. Combining the cost avoidance from clinical outcomes, the estimated financial impact over 2 years excluding insurance reimbursement was an estimated $ 913,840 ($16,032 per infant). Conclusion: Implementation of EHM-based feeding in VLBW infants is a cost-effective option for neonatal intensive care units that can result in reduced length of stay and days on PN without adversely impacting short-term morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manas Tetarbe
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Millie Rocio Chang
- CHOC Children's Specialists, Division of Neonatology, Orange, California, USA
| | - Lorayne Barton
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rowena Cayabyab
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rangasamy Ramanathan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Lapcharoensap W, Bennett M, Xu X, Lee HC, Profit J, Dukhovny D. Quality, outcome, and cost of care provided to very low birth weight infants in California. J Perinatol 2024; 44:224-230. [PMID: 37805592 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01792-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine association of costs with quality of care and patient outcome across hospitals in California. METHODS Retrospective study of very low birth weight (VLBW) births from 2014-2018 linking birth certificate, hospital discharge records and clinical data. Quality was measured using the Baby-MONITOR score. Clinical outcome was measured using survival without major morbidity (SWMM). Hierarchical generalized linear models, adjusting for clinical factors, were used to estimate risk-adjusted measures of costs, quality, and outcome for each hospital. Association between these measures was evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS In total, 15,415 infants from 104 NICUs were included. Risk-adjusted Baby-MONITOR score, SWMM rate, and costs varied substantially. There was no correlation between risk-adjusted cost and Baby-MONITOR score (r = 0, p = 0.998). Correlation between risk-adjusted cost and SWMM rate was inverse and not significant (r = -0.07, p = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS With the metrics used, we found no correlation between cost, quality, and outcomes in the care of VLBW infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannasiri Lapcharoensap
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Mihoko Bennett
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Henry C Lee
- California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jochen Profit
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Dmitry Dukhovny
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Nagel E, Elgersma KM, Gallagher TT, Johnson KE, Demerath E, Gale CA. Importance of human milk for infants in the clinical setting: Updates and mechanistic links. Nutr Clin Pract 2023; 38 Suppl 2:S39-S55. [PMID: 37721461 PMCID: PMC10513735 DOI: 10.1002/ncp.11037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human milk (HM) is the optimal source of nutrition for infants and has been implicated in multiple aspects of infant health. Although much of the existing literature has focused on the individual components that drive its nutrition content, examining HM as a biological system is needed for meaningful advancement of the field. Investigation of the nonnutritive bioactive components of HM and the maternal, infant, and environmental factors which affect these bioactives is important to better understand the importance of HM provision to infants. This information may inform care of clinical populations or infants who are critically ill, hospitalized, or who have chronic diseases and may benefit most from receiving HM. METHODS In this narrative review, we reviewed literature examining maternal and infant influences on HM composition with a focus on studies published in the last 10 years that were applicable to clinical populations. RESULTS We found multiple studies examining HM components implicated in infant immune and gut health and neurodevelopment. Additional work is needed to understand how donor milk and formula may be used in situations of inadequate maternal HM. Furthermore, a better understanding of how maternal factors such as maternal genetics and metabolic health influence milk composition is needed. CONCLUSION In this review, we affirm the importance of HM for all infants, especially clinical populations. An understanding of how HM composition is modulated by maternal and environmental factors is important to progress the field forward with respect to mechanistic links between HM biology and infant health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Nagel
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - Kelsey E Johnson
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ellen Demerath
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cheryl A. Gale
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
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Yeung T, Rolnitsky A, Bando N, Trang S, Geer A, Kiss A, O'Connor DL, Unger S. A comparison of tertiary level NICU costs for infants born <1250 g supplemented with human versus bovine milk-based fortifiers. J Perinatol 2023; 43:1113-1118. [PMID: 37085523 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01677-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human milk-based fortifiers (HMBF) are more costly than bovine milk-based fortifiers (BMBF); but, the efficacy of human or bovine fortification for infants born <1250 g has yet to be fully elucidated. Our objective was to determine the effect of fortifier source on tertiary neonatal costs. METHODS Costs associated with tertiary neonatal care, including direct and indirect hospital expenditures, feed-related costs and physician billing were analysed retrospectively for participants of OptiMoM (NCT02137473), a blinded RCT comparing fortifier type for babies born <1250 g. A generalized linear model of cost according to fortifier type was created. RESULTS Mean [95% confidence interval] daily costs per patient, adjusted for birth gestation and weight, was significantly greater in the human than the BMBF group ($3,452 [$3,186 - $3,740] Canadian dollars (CAD) versus $2,451 [$2,257 - $2,662] CAD) respectively, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION HMBF usage entails additional costs on NICU stay that should be considered with implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telford Yeung
- Department of Pediatrics, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Section of Neonatology, Windsor Regional Hospital, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Asaph Rolnitsky
- Neonatology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Bando
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Trang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andy Geer
- System Funding and Analytics, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Kiss
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Deborah L O'Connor
- Department of Pediatrics, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sharon Unger
- Department of Pediatrics, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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King B, Patel RM. Using Quality Improvement to Improve Value and Reduce Waste. Clin Perinatol 2023; 50:489-506. [PMID: 37201993 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Value is defined as health outcomes achieved per dollar spent. Addressing value in quality improvement (QI) efforts can help optimize patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary spending. In this article, we discuss how QI focused on reducing morbidities frequently reduces costs, and how proper cost accounting can help demonstrate improvements in value. We provide examples of high-yield opportunities for value improvement in neonatology and review the literature associated with these topics. Opportunities include reducing neonatal intensive care admissions for low-acuity infants, sepsis evaluations in low-risk infants, unnecessary total parental nutrition use, and utilization of laboratory and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian King
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburg School of Medicine.
| | - Ravi M Patel
- Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Swanson JR, Becker A, Fox J, Horgan M, Moores R, Pardalos J, Pinheiro J, Stewart D, Robinson T. Implementing an exclusive human milk diet for preterm infants: real-world experience in diverse NICUs. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:237. [PMID: 37173652 PMCID: PMC10176849 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04047-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human milk-based human milk fortifier (HMB-HMF) makes it possible to provide an exclusive human milk diet (EHMD) to very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Before the introduction of HMB-HMF in 2006, NICUs relied on bovine milk-based human milk fortifiers (BMB-HMFs) when mother's own milk (MOM) or pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) could not provide adequate nutrition. Despite evidence supporting the clinical benefits of an EHMD (such as reducing the frequency of morbidities), barriers prevent its widespread adoption, including limited health economics and outcomes data, cost concerns, and lack of standardized feeding guidelines. METHODS Nine experts from seven institutions gathered for a virtual roundtable discussion in October 2020 to discuss the benefits and challenges to implementing an EHMD program in the NICU environment. Each center provided a review of the process of starting their program and also presented data on various neonatal and financial metrics associated with the program. Data gathered were either from their own Vermont Oxford Network outcomes or an institutional clinical database. As each center utilizes their EHMD program in slightly different populations and over different time periods, data presented was center-specific. After all presentations, the experts discussed issues within the field of neonatology that need to be addressed with regards to the utilization of an EHMD in the NICU population. RESULTS Implementation of an EHMD program faces many barriers, no matter the NICU size, patient population or geographic location. Successful implementation requires a team approach (including finance and IT support) with a NICU champion. Having pre-specified target populations as well as data tracking is also helpful. Real-world experiences of NICUs with established EHMD programs show reductions in comorbidities, regardless of the institution's size or level of care. EHMD programs also proved to be cost effective. For the NICUs that had necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) data available, EHMD programs resulted in either a decrease or change in total (medical + surgical) NEC rate and reductions in surgical NEC. Institutions that provided cost and complications data all reported a substantial cost avoidance after EHMD implementation, ranging between $515,113 and $3,369,515 annually per institution. CONCLUSIONS The data provided support the initiation of EHMD programs in NICUs for very preterm infants, but there are still methodologic issues to be addressed so that guidelines can be created and all NICUs, regardless of size, can provide standardized care that benefits VLBW infants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Becker
- Shady Grove Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jenny Fox
- Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Michael Horgan
- Division of Neonatal Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Russell Moores
- Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - John Pardalos
- University of Missouri Health Care-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Joaquim Pinheiro
- Albany Medical Center, Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Dan Stewart
- Norton Children's Hospital and University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
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Escuder Vieco D, Arenas Vidal J, Rojas García P, Gónzález MJ, García Lara NR, Pallás Alonso CR. Comparative analyses of holder pasteurization vs. HTST pasteurization for donor milk: a cost-minimization study applicable to human milk banks. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:20. [PMID: 37060103 PMCID: PMC10103489 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00557-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization (72-75 °C, 15 s) is an alternative treatment to traditional Holder pasteurization (HoP) (62ºC, 30 min) for donor milk. HTST pasteurization guarantees the milk's microbiological safety and retains more of its biologically and nutritionally active compounds, but the cost of implementing this technology for a human milk bank is unknown. METHODS A cost-minimization study was carried out on the facilities of a regional human milk bank in a public hospital. Total production costs (fixed plus variables) were quantified using HTST pasteurization and HoP in three hypothetical scenarios: (1) costs of the first 10 L of pasteurized milk in a newly opened milk bank; (2) costs of the first 10 L of pasteurized milk in an active milk bank; and (3) costs using the maximum production capacity of both technologies in the first two years of operation. The following costs were analyzed: health care professionals, equipment and software, external services, and consumables. RESULTS In scenario 1, the total production costs were € 228,097.00 for the HTST method versus € 154,064.00 for the HoP method. In scenario 2, these costs were similar (€ 6,594.00 for HTST pasteurization versus € 5,912.00 for HoP). The cost of healthcare professionals was reduced by more than half when pasteurization was carried out by the HTST method versus the Holder method (€ 84.00 and € 191.00, respectively). In scenario 3, the unit cost of milk pasteurized by the HTST method decreased from the first to the second year by 43.5%, while for the HoP method, it decreased by 30%. CONCLUSIONS HTST pasteurization requires a high initial investment in equipment; however, it provides a significant minimization of production costs in the long term, pasteurizes large quantities of donor milk per working day and achieves a more efficient management of the time of the health care professionals in charge of the bank's operation compared to HoP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Escuder Vieco
- Servicio de Neonatología, Banco Regional de Leche Materna, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación i+12, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | - Marino J Gónzález
- Department of Economics, University of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), Logroño, Spain
| | - Nadia Raquel García Lara
- Servicio de Neonatología, Banco Regional de Leche Materna, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación i+12, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rosa Pallás Alonso
- Servicio de Neonatología, Instituto de Investigación i+12, Banco Regional de Leche Materna, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Pados BF. State of the Science on the Benefits of Human Milk for Hospitalized, Vulnerable Neonates. Nurs Womens Health 2023; 27:121-140. [PMID: 36871597 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Research on human milk has increased dramatically in recent years. The purpose of this review is to describe the literature on the health benefits of human milk for hospitalized, vulnerable neonates. PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase were searched for research articles reporting the health outcomes of hospitalized neonates who were exposed to human milk. Human milk, particularly a mother's own milk, has the potential to reduce the risk of death and the risk and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis, infection, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, kidney disease, and liver disease. Dose and timing of human milk is important, with more human milk and earlier introduction having a greater impact on health. When a mother's own milk is not available, donor human milk provides benefits over infant formula.
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Pithia N, Grogan T, Garg M, Kesavan K, Calkins K. A Pilot Single-Site Randomized Control Trial: Investigating the Use of Donor Milk in the Late Preterm and Term Infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2540272. [PMID: 36798190 PMCID: PMC9934751 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2540272/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective : We aimed to study the use of donor milk (DM) in term and late preterm infants (LPIs) when mother’s own milk (MOM) was unavailable. We hypothesized this study would be feasible and breastfeeding attempts and the percentage of MOM (MOM%) would increase with DM without adversely affecting growth. Study Design : This was a pilot study (n=32). Infants with gestational age >34 weeks admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were included. Infants were randomized to: the human milk (MOM+DM) or formula (MOM+F) groups. Result : Consent rate was 52%. Breastfeeding attempts increased significantly over time in the MOM+DM group compared to the MOM+F group (group p=0.41, time p =0.02, group*time p=0.01) . Growth at multiple time points was similar when the two groups were compared. Conclusion : A study randomizing term infants and LPIs to DM or formula when MOM is unavailable is feasible. DM may increase breastfeeding attempts without compromising growth.
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Watanabe S, Inoue M, Miyata M, Boda H. The effect of Daikenchuto on blood flow of the superior mesenteric artery and portal vein in ELBW: A prospective study. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2023; 16:423-428. [PMID: 37718870 DOI: 10.3233/npm-230132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Focal intestinal perforation (FIP) is a devastating complication of premature birth, and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants are at highest risk. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and portal vein (PV) blood flow velocities to investigate the association between intestinal blood flow and FIP. In addition, the herbal formula Daikenchuto (TJ-100) is expected to improve intestinal blood flow disorders; therefore, we evaluated its effect. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study of 15 ELBW infants from January 2020 to August 2021. Measured variables included birth weight, 5-minute Apgar score, time of oral feeding initiation, ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure (percent), diastolic and systolic blood pressure, SMA and PV blood flow velocity, and FIP onset data. Fifteen infants were divided into three groups: a non-surgery group (Group I; 6), a surgery group with FIP (Group II; 4), and a TJ-100 administration group (Group III; 5). The main outcome parameters included SMA and PV blood flow velocities with TJ-100. RESULTS SMA and PV blood flow differed significantly for the SMA of Group I and the SMA and PV of Group III (P < 0.01, P = 0.01, and P = 0.04, respectively). There was a correlation between SMA and PV in Group III (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION TJ-100 may increase SMA and PV blood flow and improve intestinal blood flow in ELBW infants at risk of FIP. Therefore, the effects of TJ-100 should undergo further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Watanabe
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujita Health University Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - M Inoue
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujita Health University Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - M Miyata
- Department of Pediatric, Fujita Health University Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - H Boda
- Department of Pediatric, Fujita Health University Hospital, Aichi, Japan
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Impact of a Standardized Nutrition Bundle Including Donor Human Milk on Hospital Outcomes in Very Low Birth-Weight (VLBW) Infants in a Safety-Net Hospital. Adv Neonatal Care 2022; 22:503-512. [PMID: 36413779 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standardized protocols have been shown to reduce clinical practice variation and improve patient outcomes. PURPOSE To measure the impact of a standardized nutrition bundle inclusive of donor human milk (DHM) on hospital outcomes of very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants in a safety-net hospital. METHODS The study used the Model for Improvement methodology to drive improvement in practice. Outcome measures consisted of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), mortality, growth at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age and discharge, as well as volume and type of milk consumption during hospitalization. FINDINGS NEC rate decreased from 16.67% in the control group to 6.78% in the standardized nutrition bundle group (P = .07). Similarly, there was significant reduction in mortality with the bundled intervention (15.6% in the control group vs 1.6% in the nutrition bundle group; P = .006). Time to first (15 vs 27.5 hours of life; P < .001) and full-volume enteral feeding (8.5 vs 10 days; P = .086) were reduced in the standardized nutrition bundle group compared with the control group. The human milk volume almost doubled with the intervention. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Our standardized nutrition bundle protocol inclusive of DHM resulted in lower NEC rates and reduced mortality. The implementation of the DHM program proved to be cost-effective and saved lives. Our findings may help guide development of a structured approach to nutrition protocols inclusive of DHM that can be adapted by other units located in safety-net hospitals. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Future research on ethnic and racial barriers to access and affordability of DHM is warranted and much needed.
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13
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Measuring Return on Investment for Professional Development Activities. J Nurses Prof Dev 2022; 38:340-346. [DOI: 10.1097/nnd.0000000000000914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Johnson TJ, Patel AL, Schoeny ME, Meier PP. Cost Savings of Mother's Own Milk for Very Low Birth Weight Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2022; 6:451-460. [PMID: 35147912 PMCID: PMC8831687 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-022-00324-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aim was to determine the relationship between hospitalization costs and mother's own milk (MOM) dose for very low birth weight (VLBW; < 1500 g) infants during the initial neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay. Additionally, because MOM intake during the NICU hospitalization is associated with a reduction in the risk of late-onset sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), we aimed to quantify the incremental cost of these potentially preventable complications of prematurity. METHODS The study included 430 VLBW infants enrolled in the Longitudinal Outcomes of Very Low Birthweight Infants Exposed to Mothers' Own Milk prospective cohort study between 2008 and 2012 at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL, USA. NICU hospitalization costs included hospital, feeding, and physician costs. The average marginal effect of MOM dose and prematurity-related complications known to be reduced by MOM intake on NICU hospitalization costs were estimated using generalized linear regression. RESULTS The mean NICU hospitalization cost was $190,586 (standard deviation $119,235). The marginal cost of sepsis was $27,890 (95% confidence interval [CI] $2934-$52,646), of NEC was $46,103 (95% CI $16,829-$75,377), and of BPD was $41,976 (95% CI $24,660-59,292). The cumulative proportion of MOM during the NICU hospitalization was not significantly associated with cost. CONCLUSIONS A reduction in the incidence of complications that are potentially preventable with MOM intake has significant cost implications. Hospitals should prioritize investments in initiatives to support MOM feedings in the NICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tricia J Johnson
- Department of Health Systems Management, Rush University, 1700 West Van Buren Street, TOB Suite 126B, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Aloka L Patel
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Paula P Meier
- College of Nursing, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
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15
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US state policies for Medicaid coverage of donor human milk. J Perinatol 2022; 42:829-834. [PMID: 35379899 PMCID: PMC8979482 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01375-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Donor human milk is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for high-risk infants when mother's own milk is absent or insufficient in quantity. Several factors may contribute to the inequitable use of or access to donor human milk, including a limited knowledge of its effects, cost, reimbursement, and regulatory barriers. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Surgeon General have called for investigating barriers that prevent use of donor human milk for high-risk infants and for changes to public policy known to improve availability and affordability. We review the current legislative, regulatory, and economic landscape surrounding donor human milk use in the United States, as well as suggest state- and federal-level solutions to increase access to donor human milk.
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16
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Human Milk Growth Factors and Their Role in NEC Prevention: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113751. [PMID: 34836007 PMCID: PMC8620589 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates human milk's protective effect against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Human milk derives these properties from biologically active compounds that influence intestinal growth, barrier function, microvascular development, and immunological maturation. Among these protective compounds are growth factors that are secreted into milk with relatively high concentrations during the early postnatal period, when newborns are most susceptible to NEC. This paper reviews the current knowledge on human milk growth factors and their mechanisms of action relevant to NEC prevention. It will also discuss the stability of these growth factors with human milk pasteurization and their potential for use as supplements to infant formulas with the goal of preventing NEC.
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17
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Garegrat R, Malshe N, Suryawanshi P, Patnaik SK. Improving donor human milk collection in a hospital without a human milk bank: a quality improvement initiative at an urban tertiary-care teaching hospital. BMJ Open Qual 2021; 10:bmjoq-2021-001467. [PMID: 34344744 PMCID: PMC8336118 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Feed intolerance and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) are challenges while treating sick neonates. These can be reduced by giving human milk, but adequate availability of mother’s own milk or pasteurised donor human milk (PDHM) is a challenge in neonatal setups, like ours, without an attached human milk bank. Hence, this quality improvement initiative was taken to improve donor human milk collection in our urban tertiary-care teaching hospital, to at least 500 mL per week in 4 weeks. After analysing the problem, our quality improvement team identified a shortage of human milk donation that was due to low awareness among the stakeholders and lack of a system to collect and store human milk and transport it to a milk bank. The team first established a system of supplies needed for milk collection, storage and transportation. It then tested change idea of information, education and counselling to increase milk donation. The team carried out a few plan-do-study-act cycles (individual and group counsellings, and usage of videos and information leaflets) to test the change ideas and adapted a few and abandoned some. During this journey, the milk collection increased to above the target amount. Various challenges were addressed, and there was a need for constant motivation of the stakeholders, especially the mothers, and now there is sustained milk donation in the setup. This is incorporated in the standard operating procedure and as a quality indicator of the unit for sustaining the changes in the unit. Our initiative can be replicated in other setups for increasing collection of donor human milk. Greater PDHM availability for sick neonates will, in effect, reduce NEC and feeding intolerance rates, leading to reduced hospital stay, morbidity, mortality and economic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reema Garegrat
- Department of Neonatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Nandini Malshe
- Department of Neonatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Pradeep Suryawanshi
- Department of Neonatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Suprabha K Patnaik
- Department of Neonatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, Pune, India
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Von Kohorn I, Flaherman V. Human Milk for the Term Newborn. Clin Perinatol 2021; 48:513-531. [PMID: 34353578 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human milk provides optimal nutrition for term newborns, but the prevalence of its use is below target, and risks have been identified. Infants of black mothers as well as term newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit are at risk for not receiving human milk. To improve human milk intake, multiple individual-level interventions have been shown to be effective, but some popular system-level interventions are ineffective or harmful. Expressed milk and donor milk may be less beneficial than direct breastfeeding. Nuanced public policies can help support lactation while promoting individual choice and equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Von Kohorn
- Department of Pediatrics, Holy Cross Health, 1500 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Valerie Flaherman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Box 0503, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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19
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Bai Y, Kuscin J. The Current State of Donor Human Milk Use and Practice. J Midwifery Womens Health 2021; 66:478-485. [PMID: 34250723 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Human milk contains nutrients and immune factors that promote health and growth of an infant. Donor human milk is recommended as the best alternative for infants whose mothers' breast milk is unavailable. This article describes the current status of donor human milk practice and suggests the areas of educational and research needs. Articles published in the last 10 years were reviewed, and findings were summarized under 4 themes: (1) women's knowledge and concerns about donor human milk use, (2) hospital practices, (3) cost-effectiveness, and (4) access and affordability of donor human milk. Women were concerned about donor human milk contamination, disease transmission, cost, and access to bank donor human milk, due to lack of knowledge and awareness of donor human milk benefits and its processing procedures. The absence of health care providers' support for donor human milk adds to the confusion. There is a rising trend of donor human milk use in hospitals for both healthy and vulnerable newborns and infants with varying policies on screening for donor human milk use, cost coverage, or consent procedure. However, a shortage of safe and affordable donor human milk is a barrier to its adoption. A standardized guideline is needed for hospitals regarding donor human milk implementation and cost coverage. Education programs for health care providers are needed to improve knowledge and understanding of donor human milk benefits and safety to provide guidance to parents. It is crucial to develop legislation expanding insurance coverage to achieve donor human milk equity and optimizing long-term human milk diet outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Bai
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, College of Education and Human Services, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey
| | - Jennifer Kuscin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, College of Education and Human Services, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey
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Abstract
Mother's own milk (MOM) feeding is a cost-effective strategy to reduce risks of comorbidities associated with prematurity and improve long-term health of infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Significant racial and socioeconomic disparities exist in MOM provision in the NICU, highlighting the importance of developing strategies to reduce these disparities. Mothers of infants in the NICU experience many health concerns which may negatively impact lactation physiology. Objective measures of lactation physiology are limited but may assist in identifying mothers at particular risk. Several strategies to assist mothers of hospitalized infants are essential, including maternal education, qualified lactation professionals, early and frequent milk expression with a hospital-grade double electric breast pump, and providing support for transitioning to direct breastfeeding prior to discharge from the NICU.
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21
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Quitadamo PA, Palumbo G, Cianti L, Lurdo P, Gentile MA, Villani A. The Revolution of Breast Milk: The Multiple Role of Human Milk Banking between Evidence and Experience-A Narrative Review. Int J Pediatr 2021; 2021:6682516. [PMID: 33623528 PMCID: PMC7872774 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6682516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The review recalls the importance of breast milk and deepens the theme of human milk banking, a virtuous reality that is expanding all over the world but is still little known. In the last 15 years, modern biological technologies have crystallized the concept of uniqueness and irreproducibility of human milk, by establishing three new principles: first: human milk: a "life-saving" drug; second: human milk: the best food for preterm infants; and third: human milk: the main component of premature infant care. Our experience teaches us that human milk banking plays many roles that need to be known and shared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqua Anna Quitadamo
- NICU, HMB “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” Foundation, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Palumbo
- NICU, HMB “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” Foundation, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Liliana Cianti
- NICU, HMB “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” Foundation, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paola Lurdo
- NICU, HMB “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” Foundation, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Gentile
- NICU, HMB “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” Foundation, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Villani
- NICU, HMB “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” Foundation, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
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