Human milk cream alters intestinal microbiome of preterm infants: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

In very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, human milk cream added to standard human milk fortification is used to improve growth. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cream supplement on the intestinal microbiome of VLBW infants.

METHODS

Whole genome shotgun sequencing was performed on stool (n = 57) collected from a cohort of 23 infants weighing 500-1250 grams (control = 12, cream = 11). Both groups received an exclusive human milk diet (mother's own milk, donor human milk, and donor human milk-derived fortifier) with the cream group receiving an additional 2 kcal/oz cream at 100 mL/kg/day of fortified feeds and then 4 kcal/oz if poor growth.

RESULTS

While there were no significant differences in alpha diversity, infants receiving cream significantly differed from infants in the control group in beta diversity. Cream group samples had significantly higher prevalence of Proteobacteria and significantly lower Firmicutes compared to control group. Klebsiella species dominated the microbiota of cream-exposed infants, along with bacterial pathways involved in lipid metabolism and metabolism of cofactors and amino acids.

CONCLUSIONS

Cream supplementation significantly altered composition of the intestinal microbiome of VLBW infants to favor increased prevalence of Proteobacteria and functional gene content associated with these bacteria.

IMPACT

We report changes to the intestinal microbiome associated with administration of human milk cream; a novel supplement used to improve growth rates of preterm very low birth weight infants. Since little is known about the impact of cream on intestinal microbiota composition of very low birth weight infants, our study provides valuable insight on the effects of diet on the microbiome of this population. Dietary supplements administered to preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units have the potential to influence the intestinal microbiome composition which may affect overall health status of the infant.

Factors associated with enteral autonomy after reanastomosis in infants with intestinal failure and ostomy: A descriptive cohort study

BACKGROUND

To determine variables associated with outcomes in infants with intestinal failure (IF) and ostomy following reanastomosis (RA).

METHODS

A single-center, descriptive cohort study of 120 infants with IF and a stoma from January 2011 to December 2020 with subsequent RA during initial hospitalization. The primary outcome was achievement of enteral autonomy (EA) following RA. Other outcomes were duration of hospital stay, and mortality. Penalized logistic regression and linear regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The median gestational age was 26 weeks, and the median birth weight was 890 g. Three infants died. The median duration between ostomy creation and RA was 80 days (interquartile range; 62.5, 100.5). For each additional day of discontinuity, the odds of EA decreased by 2% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.980; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.962, 0.999; P = 0.038), and death increased by 4.2% (OR = 1.042; 95% CI: 1.010, 1.075; P = 0.009). For each additional mL/kg/day of enteral feeds at RA, the odds of EA increased by 7.5% (OR = 1.075; 95% CI: 1.027, 1.126, P = 0.002) and duration of hospital stay decreased by 0.35 days (slope coefficient = -0.351; 95% CI: -0.540, -0.163; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Shorter duration of intestinal discontinuity and enteral nutrition before RA could positively influence EA and duration of stay in infants with IF and ostomy following RA.

Fatty acid concentrations in preterm infants fed the exclusive human milk diet: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Quantify blood fatty acids and growth outcomes in preterm infants fed the exclusive human milk diet.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 30 infants 24-34 weeks gestation and ≤1250 g fed the exclusive human milk diet. Blood fatty acids were quantified at two time points. Comparisons were made using two-sample t-tests and Wilcoxon rank sum.

RESULTS

Donor human milk-fed (n = 12) compared to mother's own milk-fed infants (n = 18) from birth to after 28 days of life, had an increased interval change of linoleic to docosahexaenoic acid ratio (5.5 vs. -1.1 mole percent ratio, p = 0.034). Docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid interval changes were similar between groups. The arachidonic acid change was similar between groups (-2.3 vs. -0.9 mole percent, p = 0.37), however, both experienced a negative change across time. At 36 weeks postmenstrual age, growth velocities were similar for groups.

CONCLUSION

An exclusive human milk diet maintains birth docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid concentrations. However, the postnatal deficit in arachidonic acid was not prevented.

Preterm Pigs Fed Donor Human Milk Have Greater Liver β-Carotene Concentrations than Pigs Fed Infant Formula

BACKGROUND

Milk carotenoids may support preterm infant health and neurodevelopment. Infants fed human milk often have higher blood and tissue carotenoid concentrations than infants fed carotenoid-containing infant formula (IF). Donor human milk (DHM) is a supplement to mother's own milk, used to support preterm infant nutrition.

OBJECTIVES

We tested whether tissue and plasma β-carotene concentrations would be higher in preterm pigs fed pasteurized DHM versus premature IF.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of samples collected from a study of the effects of enteral diet composition on necrotizing enterocolitis incidence. Preterm pigs received partial enteral feeding of either DHM (n = 7) or premature IF (n = 7) from 2 to 7 d of age. The diets provided similar β-carotene (32 nM), but DHM had higher lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, whereas IF had higher total vitamin A. Plasma, liver, and jejunum carotenoid and vitamin A concentrations were measured by HPLC-PDA. Jejunal expression of 12 genes associated with carotenoid and lipid metabolism were measured.

RESULTS

Liver β-carotene concentrations were higher in DHM- than IF-fed piglets (23 ± 4 compared with 16 ± 2 μg/g, respectively, P = 0.0024), whereas plasma and jejunal β-carotene concentrations were similar between diets. Liver vitamin A stores were higher in piglets fed IF than DHM (50.6 ± 10.1 compared with 30.9 ± 7.2 μg/g, respectively, P=0.0013); however, plasma vitamin A was similar between groups. Plasma, liver, and jejunum concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene were higher with DHM than IF feeding. Relative to piglets fed DHM, jejunal low density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr) expression was higher (61%, P = 0.018) and cluster determinant 36 (Cd36) expression (-27%, P = 0.034) was lower in IF-fed piglets.

CONCLUSIONS

Preterm pigs fed DHM accumulate more liver β-carotene than IF-fed pigs. Future studies should further investigate infant carotenoid bioactivity and bioavailability.

Nutrient Composition of Donor Human Milk and Comparisons to Preterm Human Milk

BACKGROUND

Human milk is the preferred diet for very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g) infants. When mother's own milk is unable to meet the needs of VLBW infants, donor human milk (DHM) is the preferred alternative. Unfortunately, the composition of DHM remains elusive and no comparative studies between preterm human milk and DHM have been performed previously.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to analyze the nutrient content of commercial pooled DHM and compare nutrient content in DHM with that of early and mature preterm human milk.

METHODS

We analyzed nutrient content in 15 DHM samples provided from 7 commercial milk banks including calories, carbohydrate, fat, protein, sodium, chloride, potassium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D and compared each nutrient to early (7 d of life) and mature (28 d of life) preterm human milk samples (n = 28-36 per nutrient, gestational age = 28 ± 3 wk). Protein-to-energy ratio and carbohydrate-to-nonprotein energy ratio were calculated for each sample and compared.

RESULTS

Mean values for all macro- and micronutrients in DHM are reported. In comparison to early or mature preterm human milk, DHM had significantly lower protein, sodium, chloride, potassium, and zinc content. Calorie, carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D content did not differ statistically between DHM and early or mature preterm human milk. Fat content was modestly lower in early but not mature human milk when compared with DHM.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide mean values for several macro- and micronutrients for DHM and identify key differences between DHM and preterm human milk, which may be considered when designing human milk-based feeding plans. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05742815.

Nutrition for Infants with Congenital Heart Disease

Perioperative malnutrition in infants with congenital heart disease can lead to significant postnatal growth failure and poor short- and long-term outcomes. A standardized approach to nutrition is needed for the neonatal congenital heart disease population, taking into consideration the type of cardiac lesion, the preoperative and postoperative period, and prematurity. Early enteral feeding is beneficial and should be paired with parenteral nutrition to meet the fluid and nutrient needs of the infant.

Early Fluid and Nutritional Management of Extremely Preterm Newborns During the Fetal-To-Neonatal Transition

During the fetal-to-neonatal transitional period, extremely preterm newborns undergo significant intrabody fluid shifts and resulting weight loss due to increased insensible fluid losses due to immature skin, kidneys, among other factors. These ongoing physiologic changes make fluid and nutritional management complex in the neonatal-to-fetal transitional time period for extremely premature newborns. However, limited literature exists to guide optimal practices for providers caring for this population. Here, we review the evidence on optimal fluid and nutritional management during the fetal-to-neonatal transition of extremely preterm newborns.

Current Patterns of Probiotic Use in U.S. Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Multi-Institution Survey

OBJECTIVE

 Probiotic supplementation is associated with health benefits in preterm infants. The 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) statement on probiotic use advised caution, citing heterogeneity and absence of federal regulation. We assessed the impact of the AAP statement and current institution-wide patterns of probiotic use across neonatal intensive care units (NICU) across the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

 A cross-sectional web-based institutional survey using REDCap was emailed to 430 Children's Hospital Neonatal Consortium (CHNC) and Pediatrix Medical Group institutions. The survey captured data on probiotic formulations, supplementation, initiation and cessation criteria, reasons for discontinuation, interest in initiating, and AAP statement's impact.

RESULTS

 Ninety-five (22.1%) hospitals, including 42/46 (91%) CHNC and 53/384 (14%) Pediatrix institutions, completed the survey. Thirty-seven (39%) currently use probiotics. Fourteen different probiotic formulations were reported. The common criteria for initiation were birth weight <1,500 g and gestational age <32 weeks. Parental consent or assent was obtained at only 30% of institutions. Five hospitals (11%) with prior probiotic use discontinued solely due to the AAP statement. Overall, 23 (24%) of hospitals indicated that the AAP statement significantly influenced their decision regarding probiotic use. Nineteen of 51 nonusers (37%) are considering initiation.

CONCLUSION

 Probiotic use in preterm infants is likely increasing in NICUs across the United States, but significant variability exists. The 2021 AAP statement had variable impact on NICUs' decision regarding probiotic use. The growing interest in adopting probiotics and the significant interhospital variability highlight the need for better regulation and consensus guidelines to ensure standardized use.

KEY POINTS

· Probiotic use in preterm infants is likely increasing in U.S. NICUs, but clinical variability exists.. · The AAP statement on probiotic use in preterm infants had a modest impact on current practices.. · There's a need for better product regulation and consensus guidelines to ensure standardized use..

Probiotics and Human Milk Differentially Influence the Gut Microbiome and NEC Incidence in Preterm Pigs

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of death caused by gastrointestinal disease in preterm infants. Major risk factors include prematurity, formula feeding, and gut microbial colonization. Microbes have been linked to NEC, yet there is no evidence of causal species, and select probiotics have been shown to reduce NEC incidence in infants. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (BL. infantis), alone and in combination with a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO)-sialylactose (3'SL)-on the microbiome, and the incidence of NEC in preterm piglets fed an infant formula diet. We studied 50 preterm piglets randomized between 5 treatments: (1) Preterm infant formula, (2) Donor human milk (DHM), (3) Infant formula + 3'SL, (4) Infant formula + BL. infantis, and (5) Infant formula and BL. infantis + 3'SL. NEC incidence and severity were assessed through the evaluation of tissue from all the segments of the GI tract. The gut microbiota composition was assessed both daily and terminally through 16S and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of rectal stool samples and intestinal contents. Dietary BL. infantis and 3'SL supplementation had no effect, yet DHM significantly reduced the incidence of NEC. The abundance of BL. infantis in the gut contents negatively correlated with disease severity. Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Clostridium perfringens were significantly more abundant in NEC and positively correlated with disease severity. Our results suggest that pre- and probiotics are not sufficient for protection from NEC in an exclusively formula-based diet. The results highlight the differences in microbial species positively associated with both diet and NEC incidence.

Fecal Elastase in Preterm Infants to Predict Growth Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Preterm infants are born functionally pancreatic insufficient with decreased pancreatic production of lipase and proteases. Developmental pancreatic insufficiency (PI) may contribute to reduced nutrient absorption and growth failure. We sought to determine longitudinal fecal elastase (ELA1) levels in a cohort of preterm infants and whether levels are associated with growth outcomes.

METHODS

Prospective observational study of 30 infants 24-34 weeks gestational age and birth weight ≤1250 g fed the exclusive human milk diet, consisting of human milk with human milk-based fortifier. ELA1 was quantified by ELISA during the first 2 weeks of life [Early; 7.5 ± 1.8 days of life (DOL)] and after attainment of full, fortified feedings (Late; 63.6 ± 24.1 DOL).

RESULTS

Early ELA1 levels were 192.2 ± 96.4 µg/g, and Late ELA1 levels were 268.0 ± 80.3 µg/g, 39.4% higher (P = 0.01). Infants with early PI (ELA1 < 200 µg/g) were more likely male and of lower gestational age, weight, length, and head circumference at birth. These variables, but not PI status, independently predicted somatic growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Fecal ELA1 in preterm infants fed exclusive human milk diet increases with postnatal age. Although pancreatic function in preterm infants may serve as a biological contributor to early postnatal growth failure, additional studies using fecal ELA1 as a predictive biomarker for growth failure are needed in larger cohorts.

A systematic review of associations between gut microbiota composition and growth failure in preterm neonates

Growth failure is among the most prevalent and devastating consequences of prematurity. Up to half of all extremely preterm neonates struggle to grow despite modern nutrition practices. Although elegant preclinical models suggest causal roles for the gut microbiome, these insights have not yet translated into biomarkers that identify at-risk neonates or therapies that prevent or treat growth failure. This systematic review aims to identify features of the neonatal gut microbiota that are positively or negatively associated with early postnatal growth. We identified 860 articles, of which 14 were eligible for inclusion. No two studies used the same definitions of growth, ages at stool collection, and statistical methods linking microbiota to metadata. In all, 58 different taxa were associated with growth, with little consensus among studies. Two or more studies reported positive associations with Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Veillonella, and negative associations with Citrobacter, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus. Streptococcus was positively associated with growth in five studies and negatively associated with growth in three studies. To gain insight into how the various definitions of growth could impact results, we performed an exploratory secondary analysis of 245 longitudinally sampled preterm infant stools, linking microbiota composition to multiple clinically relevant definitions of neonatal growth. Within this cohort, every definition of growth was associated with a different combination of microbiota features. Together, these results suggest that the lack of consensus in defining neonatal growth may limit our capacity to detect consistent, meaningful clinical associations that could be leveraged into improved care for preterm neonates.

Cholestasis impairs gut microbiota development and bile salt hydrolase activity in preterm neonates

Cholestasis refers to impaired bile flow from the liver to the intestine. In neonates, cholestasis causes poor growth and may progress to liver failure and death. Normal bile flow requires an intact liver-gut-microbiome axis, whereby liver-derived primary bile acids are transformed into secondary bile acids. Microbial bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzymes are responsible for the first step, deconjugating glycine- and taurine-conjugated primary bile acids. Cholestatic neonates often are treated with the potent choleretic bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), although interactions between UDCA, gut microbes, and other bile acids are poorly understood. To gain insight into how the liver-gut-microbiome axis develops in extreme prematurity and how cholestasis alters this maturation, we conducted a nested case-control study collecting 124 stool samples longitudinally from 24 preterm infants born at mean 27.2 ± 1.8 weeks gestation and 946 ± 249.6 g, half of whom developed physiologic cholestasis. Samples were analyzed by whole metagenomic sequencing, in vitro BSH enzyme activity assays optimized for low biomass fecal samples, and quantitative mass spectrometry to measure the bile acid metabolome. In extremely preterm neonates, acquisition of the secondary bile acid biosynthesis pathway and BSH genes carried by Clostridium perfringens are the most prominent features of early microbiome development. Cholestasis interrupts this developmental pattern. BSH gene abundance and enzyme activity are profoundly reduced in cholestatic neonates, resulting in decreased quantities of unconjugated bile acids. UDCA restores total fecal bile acid levels in cholestatic neonates, but this is due to a 522-fold increase in fecal UDCA. A majority of bile acids in early development are atypical positional and stereo-isomers of bile acids. We report novel associations linking isomeric bile acids and BSH activity to neonatal growth trajectories. These data highlight deconjugation of bile acids as a key microbial function that is acquired in early neonatal development and impaired by cholestasis.

Dilemmas in feeding infants with intestinal failure: a neonatologist's perspective

Intestinal failure in neonatal and pediatric populations can be debilitating for patients and difficult to manage for clinicians. Management strategies include referral to an intestinal rehabilitation center, small volume trophic feeds to stimulate the intestine with cautious advancement of enteral nutrition using a standardized and evidence-based feeding protocol, and supplemental parenteral nutrition to optimize an infant's growth and nutrition. In this review, we discuss the causes of intestinal failure, parenteral nutrition strategies, enteral feeding initiation and advancement protocols, as well as the challenges in feeding an infant with intestinal failure.

Variability in antibiotic duration for necrotizing enterocolitis and outcomes in a large multicenter cohort

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate variability in antibiotic duration for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and associated clinical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Five-hundred ninety-one infants with NEC (315 medical; 276 surgical) were included from 22 centers participating in Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC). Multivariable analyses were used to determine predictors of variability in time to full feeds (TFF) and length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Median (IQR) antibiotic duration was 12 (9, 17) days for medical and 17 (14, 21) days for surgical NEC. Wide variability in antibiotic use existed both within and among centers. Duration of antibiotic therapy was associated with longer TFF in both medical (OR 1.04, 95% CI [1.01, 1.05], p < 0.001) and surgical NEC (OR 1.02 [1, 1.03] p = 0.046); and with longer LOS in medical (OR 1.03 [1.02, 1.04], p < 0.001) and surgical NEC (OR 1.01 [1.01, 1.02], p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic duration for both medical and surgical NEC remains variable within and among high level NICUs.

Human Milk Fortification: A Practical Analysis of Current Evidence

Human milk (HM) with appropriate fortification is the recommended nutrition for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Fortification provides additional nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support the growing preterm infant during critical periods of development. This article discusses the variability of HM including differences between maternal and pasteurized donor human milk (DHM), fortification of HM through the use of single- and multi-nutrient fortifiers, and clinical controversies including the timing of fortification, volume of feedings, and future innovations in HM fortification.

Evaluation of the Neonatal Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Mortality Risk in Preterm Infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis

INTRODUCTION

The neonatal sequential organ failure assessment (nSOFA) score is a tool for calculating mortality risk of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. The utility of the nSOFA in determining the risk of mortality or the association with surgical intervention among infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has not been investigated.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, cohort study of preterm (<37 weeks) infants with NEC Bell's stage ≥ IIA at six hospitals from 2008 to 2020. An nSOFA score (range 0-15) was assigned to each patient at nine time points from 48 h before or after clinical illness was suspected.

RESULTS

Of the 259 infants, nSOFA scores for infants who died (n = 39) or had the composite outcome of surgery or death (n = 114) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) early in the NEC course compared to nSOFA scores for infants who survived medical NEC. Twelve hours after evaluation, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80-0.93) to discriminate for mortality and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79-0.90) for surgery or death (p < 0.001). A maximum nSOFA score of ≥4 at -6, 0, 6, or 12 h following evaluation was associated with a 20-fold increase in mortality and 19-fold increase in surgery or death compared with a score of <4 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this multicenter cohort, the nSOFA score was able to discriminate well for death as well as surgery or death among infants with NEC. The nSOFA is a clinical research tool that may be used in infants with NEC to improve classification by objective quantification of organ dysfunction.

In neonatal-onset surgical short bowel syndrome survival is high, and enteral autonomy is related to residual bowel length

BACKGROUND

In an era of improved management and treatment options, this study aims to describe the long-term outcomes and factors predictive of outcomes of neonatal-onset intestinal failure (IF) due to surgical short bowel syndrome (SBS).

METHODS

Retrospective, single-center cohort study of infants born between January 2011 and December 2018 with inclusion criteria: <44 weeks postmenstrual age at SBS diagnosis, <28 days on admission, parenteral nutrition dependence >60 days, and documented intestinal resection. Primary outcomes included survival and achievement of enteral autonomy (EA). Data analysis utilized Fisher.s exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, survival analysis methods, Cox proportional hazards regression, linear regression and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients (males 56%) were studied with median follow-up of 38 months (IQR 19, 59). Survival at last follow-up was 96%, and EA was achieved in 85%. Forty-eight patients had documented residual bowel length (RBL) with median length of 49 cm (IQR 36, 80). Survival in patients with RBL of <30cm (n = 8), 30-59cm (n = 19), and >60cm (n = 21) was 100%, 95%, and 95% respectively. Shorter RBL was associated with longer time to achieve EA (p = 0.007), but not with survival (p = 0.81). Delay in achieving EA was associated with absence of ileocecal valve (p = 0.002) and bloodstream infections (p < 0.001). Peak conjugated bilirubin correlated with increased mortality (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Overall high rate of survival and achievement of EA was found in neonatal onset IF due to SBS. EA but not survival was correlated with RBL. Ileocecal valve, bloodstream infections, and conjugated bilirubin levels were the other predictive factors of outcomes.

Rationale and design of the Baylor Infant Twin Study-A study assessing obesity-related risk factors from infancy

BACKGROUND

Early childhood (0-3 years) is a critical period for obesity prevention, when tendencies in eating behaviors and physical activity are established. Yet, little is understood about how the environment shapes children's genetic predisposition for these behaviors during this time. The Baylor Infant Twin Study (BITS) is a two phase study, initiated to study obesity risk factors from infancy. Data collection has been completed for Phase 1 in which three sub-studies pilot central measures for Phase 2. A novel infant temperament assessment, based on observations made by trained researchers was piloted in Behavior Observation Pilot Protocol (BOPP) study, a new device for measuring infant feeding parameters (the "orometer") in the Baylor Infant Orometer (BIO), and methods for analyzing DNA methylation in twins of unknown chorionicity in EpiTwin.

METHODS

EpiTwin was a cross-sectional study of neonatal twins, while up to three study visits occurred for the other studies, at 4- (BOPP, BIO), 6- (BOPP), and 12- (BOPP, BIO) of age. Measurements for BOPP and BIO included temperament observations, feeding observations, and body composition assessments while EpiTwin focused on collecting samples of hair, urine, nails, and blood for quantifying methylation levels at 10 metastable epialleles. Additional data collected include demographic information, zygosity, chorionicity, and questionnaire-based measures of infant behaviors.

RESULTS

Recruitment for all three studies was completed in early 2020. EpiTwin recruited 80 twin pairs (50% monochorionic), 31 twin pairs completed the BOPP protocol, and 68 singleton infants participated in BIO.

CONCLUSIONS

The psychometric properties of the data from all three studies are being analyzed currently. The resulting findings will inform the development of the full BITS protocol, with the goal of completing assessments at 4-, 6-, 12-, and 14-month of age for 400 twin pairs.

Small Proportion of Low-Birth-Weight Infants With Ostomy and Intestinal Failure Due to Short-Bowel Syndrome Achieve Enteral Autonomy Prior to Reanastomosis

BACKGROUND

It is challenging to provide optimum nutrition in low-birth-weight (LBW) infants with short-bowel syndrome (SBS) and ostomy. This study aims to evaluate the clinical course of LBW infants with SBS and ostomy in response to enteral feeds, recognize characteristics associated with achievement of enteral autonomy prior to reanastomosis, and evaluate associated short-term outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 52 LBW neonates with intestinal failure (IF) caused by SBS and ostomy treated in a neonatal intensive care unit from 2012 to 2018 was performed. Clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes were studied in relation to the location of the ostomy and the success with enteral feeding achieved prior to reanastomosis.

RESULTS

Of the 52 infants with SBS, jejunostomy, ileostomy, and colostomy were present in 9, 40, and 3 infants, respectively. Fourteen (26.92%) infants achieved enteral autonomy transiently, and 7 (13.46%) sustained until reanastomosis. All 9 infants with jejunostomy were parenteral nutrition dependent, compared with 22 with ileostomy and none with colostomy (P = 0.002). Infants who achieved enteral autonomy showed lower incidence of cholestasis (P = 0.038) and better growth velocity (P = 0.02) prior to reanastomosis.

CONCLUSIONS

A minority of LBW infants with SBS and ostomy achieved enteral autonomy prior to reanastomosis. Distal ostomy (ileostomy and colostomy), reduced cholestasis, and better growth were associated with achievement of enteral autonomy. Our report highlights the challenges in establishing enteral autonomy in LBW infants with IF and ostomy, and the feasibility of that approach in a minority of patients, with tangible benefits.

Growth, Body Composition, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 2 Years Among Preterm Infants Fed an Exclusive Human Milk Diet in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study

Background: Long-term outcomes of preterm infants fed an exclusive human milk-based (EHM) diet using a donor human milk-based fortifier are not well defined. Materials and Methods: Infants ≤1,250 g birth weight (BW) were studied prospectively at two outpatient visits: 12-15 and 18-22 months corrected age (CA). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III (BSID-III) were performed at 18-22 months CA. Results: In this pilot study, 51 preterm infants (gestational age 27.8 ± 2.6 weeks and BW 893 ± 204 g) were evaluated. While anthropometric z-scores were significantly lower at discharge compared with birth, z-scores returned to birth levels by 12-15 months CA (length and head circumference [HC]) and 18-22 months CA (weight). Body composition at 2 years of age was similar to term-matched controls. Inpatient growth was significantly correlated with bone density, lean mass (LM), and fat-free mass at 18-22 months CA. Increased mother's own milk (MOM) was significantly correlated with decreased fat mass indices. BSID-III showed that 0% of cognitive composite scores were <70. Conclusions: In addition to returning to BW, length, and HC z-scores by 2 years of age, body composition analysis revealed that increase in body size was appropriate as reflected by LM and bone density similar to matched term controls without an increase in fat mass. No child had severe cognitive developmental delay using a cutoff score of 70. Inpatient growth and increased receipt of MOM correlated with favorable growth and body composition outcomes. Positive outcomes as shown in this study to confirm postdischarge safety of an EHM diet during hospitalization.

Elective delivery at 34 weeks vs routine obstetric care in fetal gastroschisis: randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether elective preterm delivery (ED) at 34 weeks is of postnatal benefit to infants with isolated gastroschisis compared with routine obstetric care (RC).

METHODS

Between May 2013 and September 2015, all women with a sonographic diagnosis of fetal gastroschisis referred to a single tertiary center, before 34 weeks' gestation, were invited to participate in this study. Eligible patients were randomized to ED (induction of labor at 34 weeks) or RC (spontaneous labor or delivery by 37-38 weeks, based on standard obstetric indications). The primary outcome measure was length of time on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Secondary outcomes were time to closure of gastroschisis and length of stay in hospital. Outcome variables were compared using appropriate statistical methods. Analysis was based on intention-to-treat.

RESULTS

Twenty-five women were assessed for eligibility, of whom 21 (84%; 95% CI, 63.9-95.5%) agreed to participate in the study; of these, 10 were randomized to ED and 11 to RC. The trial was stopped at the first planned interim analysis due to patient safety concerns and for futility; thus, only 21 of the expected 86 patients (24.4%; 95% CI, 15.8-34.9%) were enrolled. Median gestational age at delivery was 34.3 (range, 34-36) weeks in the ED group and 36.7 (range, 27-38) weeks in the RC group. One patient in the ED group delivered at 36 weeks following unsuccessful induction at 34 weeks. Neonates of women who underwent ED, compared to those in the RC group, showed no difference in the median number of days on TPN (54 (range, 17-248) vs 21 (range, 9-465) days; P = 0.08), number of days to closure of gastroschisis (7 (range, 0-15) vs 5 (range, 0-8) days; P = 0.28) and length of stay in hospital (70.5 (range, 22-137) vs 31 (range, 19-186) days; P = 0.15). However, neonates in the ED group were significantly more likely to experience late-onset sepsis compared with those in the RC group (40% (95% CI, 12.2-73.8%) vs 0%; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates no benefit of ED of fetuses with gastroschisis when postnatal gastroschisis management is similar to that used in routine care. Rather, the data suggest that ED is detrimental to infants with gastroschisis. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Very preterm infants who receive transitional formulas as a complement to human milk can achieve catch-up growth

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the growth of premature infants fed a postdischarge diet of human milk (HM) complemented with transitional formula (TF) as compared with those fed TF only.

STUDY DESIGN

In this prospective cohort study, 51 infants' diets and anthropometrics were collected at discharge and at 12-15 months corrected gestational age.

RESULTS

Post discharge, infants in both groups exhibited similar growth velocities and changes in z-scores. The duration of infants' HM consumption was not correlated with weight gain (r = -0.25, p = 0.26). The duration of complementary TF feeds also did not correlate with increased growth (r = -0.11, p = 0.44). Both groups achieved catch-up growth and displayed growth velocities that significantly exceeded the upper limit of the World Health Organization (WHO) weight growth standard (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preterm infants receiving HM and complementary TF post discharge had growth velocities at or exceeding weight gain projected by the WHO growth standard for term infants.

Optimizing the Use of Human Milk Cream Supplement in Very Preterm Infants: Growth and Cost Outcomes

BACKGROUND

An exclusive human milk-based diet has been shown to decrease necrotizing enterocolitis and improve outcomes for infants ≤1250 g birth weight. Studies have shown that infants who received an exclusive human milk diet with a donor-human milk-derived cream supplement (cream) had improved weight and length velocity when the cream was added to mother's own milk or donor-human milk when energy was <20 kcal/oz using a human milk analyzer. Our objective was to compare growth and cost outcomes of infants ≤1250 g birth weight fed with an exclusive human milk diet, with and without human milk cream, without the use of a human milk analyzer.

METHODS

Two cohorts of human milk-fed premature infants were compared from birth to 34 weeks postmenstrual age. Group 1 (2010-2011) received a donor-human milk fortifier, whereas Group 2 (2015-2016) received donor-human milk fortifier plus the commercial cream supplement, if weight gain was <15 g/kg/d.

RESULTS

There was no difference in growth between the 2 groups for weight (P = 0.32) or head circumference (P = 0.90). Length velocity was greater for Group 1 (P = 0.03). The mean dose of donor-human milk fortifier was lower in Group 2 (P < 0.001). Group 2 saved an average of $2318 per patient on the cost of human milk products (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Infants receiving a human milk diet with cream supplementation for growth faltering achieve appropriate growth in a cost-effective feeding strategy.

A genomic atlas of systemic interindividual epigenetic variation in humans

BACKGROUND

DNA methylation is thought to be an important determinant of human phenotypic variation, but its inherent cell type specificity has impeded progress on this question. At exceptional genomic regions, interindividual variation in DNA methylation occurs systemically. Like genetic variants, systemic interindividual epigenetic variants are stable, can influence phenotype, and can be assessed in any easily biopsiable DNA sample. We describe an unbiased screen for human genomic regions at which interindividual variation in DNA methylation is not tissue-specific.

RESULTS

For each of 10 donors from the NIH Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) program, CpG methylation is measured by deep whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of genomic DNA from tissues representing the three germ layer lineages: thyroid (endoderm), heart (mesoderm), and brain (ectoderm). We develop a computational algorithm to identify genomic regions at which interindividual variation in DNA methylation is consistent across all three lineages. This approach identifies 9926 correlated regions of systemic interindividual variation (CoRSIVs). These regions, comprising just 0.1% of the human genome, are inter-correlated over long genomic distances, associated with transposable elements and subtelomeric regions, conserved across diverse human ethnic groups, sensitive to periconceptional environment, and associated with genes implicated in a broad range of human disorders and phenotypes. CoRSIV methylation in one tissue can predict expression of associated genes in other tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to charting a previously unexplored molecular level of human individuality, this atlas of human CoRSIVs provides a resource for future population-based investigations into how interindividual epigenetic variation modulates risk of disease.

Premature small for gestational age infants fed an exclusive human milk-based diet achieve catch-up growth without metabolic consequences at 2 years of age

OBJECTIVE

To compare postdischarge growth, adiposity and metabolic outcomes of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) versus small for gestational age (SGA) premature infants fed an exclusive human milk (HM)-based diet in the neonatal intensive care unit.

DESIGN

Premature infants (birth weight ≤1250 g) fed an exclusive HM-based diet were examined at 12-15 months corrected gestational age (CGA) (visit 1) for anthropometrics, serum glucose and non-fasting insulin, and at 18-22 months CGA (visit 2) for body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Of 51 children, 33 were AGA and 18 were SGA at birth. The SGA group had weight gain (g/day) equal to AGA group during the follow-up period. SGA had a significantly greater body mass index (BMI) z-score gain from visit 1 to visit 2 (0.25±1.10 vs -0.21±0.84, p=0.02) reflecting catch-up growth. There were no significant differences in total fat mass (FM) and trunk FM between groups. SGA had significantly lower insulin level (5.0±3.7 vs 17.3±15.1 µU/mL, p=0.02) and homeostatic model of assessment-insulin resistance (1.1±0.9 vs 4.3±4.1, p=0.02). Although regional trunk FM correlated with insulin levels in SGA (r=0.893, p=0.04), they had lower insulin level compared with AGA and no difference in adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS

SGA premature infants who received an exclusive HM-based diet exhibited greater catch-up growth without increased adiposity or elevated insulin resistance compared with AGA at 2 years of age. An exclusive HM-based diet may improve long-term body composition and metabolic outcomes of premature infants with ≤1250 g birth weight, specifically SGA.

Improved feeding tolerance and growth are linked to increased gut microbial community diversity in very-low-birth-weight infants fed mother's own milk compared with donor breast milk

BACKGROUND

Mother's own milk (MOM) is protective against gut microbiota alterations associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and feeding intolerance among preterm infants. It is unclear whether this benefit is preserved with donor milk (DM) feeding.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare microbiota development, growth, and feeding tolerance in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants fed an exclusively human milk diet of primarily MOM or DM.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-five VLBW infants born at Texas Children's Hospital were enrolled and grouped into cohorts based on percentage of MOM and DM in enteral feeds. Feeds were fortified with DM-derived fortifier per unit protocol. Weekly stool samples were collected for 6 wk for microbiota analysis [16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing]. A research nurse obtained weekly anthropometrics. Clinical outcomes were compared via Wilcoxon's rank-sum test and Fisher's exact test, as well as multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The DM cohort (n = 43) received on average 14% mothers' milk compared with 91% for the MOM cohort (n = 74). Diversity of gut microbiota across all time points (n = 546) combined was increased in MOM infants (P < 0.001). By 4 and 6 wk of life, microbiota in MOM infants contained increased abundance of Bifidobacterium (P = 0.02) and Bacteroides (P = 0.04), whereas DM-fed infants had increased abundance of Staphylococcus (P = 0.02). MOM-fed infants experienced a 60% reduction in feeding intolerance (P = 0.03 by multivariate analysis) compared with DM-fed infants. MOM-fed infants had greater weight gain than DM-fed infants.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with DM-fed infants, MOM-fed infants have increased gut microbial community diversity at the phylum and genus levels by 4 and 6 wk of life, as well as better feeding tolerance. MOM-fed infants had superior growth. The incidence of NEC and other gastrointestinal morbidity is low among VLBW infants fed an exclusively human milk diet including DM-derived fortifier. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02573779.

Using formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue to characterize the preterm gut microbiota in necrotising enterocolitis and spontaneous isolated perforation using marginal and diseased tissue

Background

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a common cause of death in preterm infants and is closely linked to the gut microbiota. Spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) also occurs in preterm neonates, but results in lower mortality and less adverse neonatal outcomes than NEC. Existing studies are largely limited to non-invasive stool samples, which may not be reflective of the anatomical site of disease. Therefore, we analysed historical formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue from NEC and SIP preterm infants. A total of 13 NEC and 16 SIP infants were included. Extracted DNA from FFPE tissue blocks underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing. For a subset of infants, diseased tissue and marginal healthy tissue from the same infant were compared.

Results

Xylene provided a cost and time effective means of deparaffinization. Tissue from the site of disease was highly comparable to adjacent healthier tissue. Comparing only diseased tissue from all infants showed significantly lower Shannon diversity in NEC (P = 0.026). The overall bacterial communities were also significantly different in NEC samples compared to SIP (P = 0.038), and large variability within NEC infants was observed. While no single OTU or genus was significantly associated with NEC or SIP, at the phylum level Proteobacteria (P = 0.045) and Bacteroidetes (P = 0.024) were significantly higher in NEC and SIP infants, respectively.

Conclusions

Existing banks of intestinal FFPE blocks provide a robust and specific sample for profiling the microbiota at the site of disease. We showed preterm infants with NEC have lower diversity and different bacterial communities when compared to SIP controls.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-019-1426-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Nutritional considerations in the care of conjoined twins

Conjoined twins represent an interesting nutritional challenge as nutrient delivery and absorption is greatly affected by anatomy and, therefore, unique to each twin pair. Nutritional support is essential to optimize growth and development in the neonatal period; however, very little data exists on the topic in this population. Conjoined twins require individualized nutritional assessment that focuses on the interaction between the metabolic rate, nutrient uptake, and nutrient delivery of each twin in the dyad. This report describes one center's experience with monitoring growth, establishing nutrient requirements, and determining substrate utilization in three sets of conjoined twins.

Beyond Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Other Clinical Advantages of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet

OBJECTIVE

Articles previously published by Sullivan et al. and Cristofalo et al. were reanalyzed using the proportion of cow milk-based nutrition received to determine whether that affected clinical outcomes during hospitalization for infants birth weight 500-1250 g. Abrams et al. showed in the same cohort incidences of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), NEC requiring surgery and sepsis increased proportionally to the amount of dietary cow milk.

METHODS

The data from the two studies conducted under essentially the same protocol were combined yielding a cohort of 260 infants receiving a diet ranging from 0% to 100% cow milk. Data analysis utilized negative binomial regression which mitigates differences between subjects in terms of their time on study by incorporating that number into the statistical model. The percent of cow milk-based nutrition was the only predictor investigated.

RESULTS

For all outcomes the larger the amount of cow's milk in the diet the greater the number of days of that intervention required. A trend toward statistical significance was seen for ventilator days; however, only parenteral nutrition (PN) days and days to full feeds achieved statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporation of any cow milk-based nutrition into the diet of extremely premature infants correlates with more days on PN and a longer time to achieve full feeds. There was a nonstatistically significant trend toward increased ventilator days. These represent additional clinical consequences of the use of any cow milk-based protein in feeding EP infants.

Delayed Introduction of Parenteral Phosphorus Is Associated with Hypercalcemia in Extremely Preterm Infants

BACKGROUND

Early parenteral nutrition (PN) provides essential macro- and micronutrients for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants <1000 g. Frequent cases of hypercalcemia [whole blood ionized calcium (iCa) > 1.45 mmol/L] in the first week of life while receiving PN solutions at our large quaternary center prompted investigation and 2 plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles to reduce rates of hypercalcemia.

OBJECTIVE

We compared 2 cohorts of ELBW infants separated by PDSA cycles to evaluate and reduce the incidence of abnormal iCa concentration.

METHODS

Data were recorded for 150 premature infants with mean birth weight of 726 ± 164 g, 48% male, and mean gestational age of 26 ± 2.1 wk. This process included an internal practice analysis and PDSA cycles monitored prospectively over 3 y. From December 2011 to September 2012, 66 infants received 0-1.2 mmol parenteral phosphorus supplementation/(kg ⋅ d) beginning at 72 h of life. In the second protocol, 84 infants born September 2012 to July 2013 received earlier phosphorus supplementation within 24 h of life. The peak whole blood iCa and serum phosphorus concentrations in the first week of life were monitored.

RESULTS

Early introduction of phosphorus was significantly associated with a decreased mean peak iCa (1.64 ± 0.27 mmol/L to 1.50 ± 0.23 mmol/L, P = 0.001), and the incidence of severe hypercalcemia (iCa > 1.60 mmol/L) decreased from 50.0% to 21.4% (P = 0.002) in the first week of life. There was no difference in mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, renal calcifications, seizures within 7 d of birth, brain calcifications, or intracranial hemorrhage between cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Early introduction of phosphorus in PN solutions is associated with reduced incidence of whole blood iCa abnormalities in the first week of life and should be considered for ELBW infants. Ongoing evaluation of optimal mineral provision to this population after birth should be performed.

Premature Infants 750-1,250 g Birth Weight Supplemented with a Novel Human Milk-Derived Cream Are Discharged Sooner

OBJECTIVE

Infants may benefit from early nutritional intervention to decrease hospital stay. To evaluate the effects of adding a human milk (HM)-derived cream (Cream) product to a standard feeding regimen in preterm infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective multicenter randomized study, infants with birth weights 750-1,250 g were assigned to a Control or Cream group. The Control group received a standard feeding regimen consisting of mother's own milk or donor HM with donor HM-derived fortifier. The Cream group received the standard feeding regimen along with an additional HM-derived cream supplement when the HM they received was <20 kcal/oz. Primary outcomes of this secondary analysis included comorbidities, length of stay (LOS), and postmenstrual age (PMA) at discharge.

RESULTS

We enrolled 75 infants (Control n = 37, Cream n = 38) with gestational age 27.7 ± 1.8 weeks and birth weight 973 ± 145 g (mean ± SD). After adjusting for gestational age, birth weight, and presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the Cream group had a decreased PMA at discharge (39.9 ± 4.8 versus 38.2 ± 2.7 weeks, p = 0.03) and LOS (86 ± 39 versus 74 ± 22 days, p = 0.05). For 21 infants with BPD, these values trended toward significance for PMA at discharge (44.2 ± 6.1 versus 41.3 ± 2.7 weeks, p = 0.08) and LOS (121 ± 49 versus 104 ± 23 days, p = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Very preterm infants who received an HM-derived cream supplement were discharged earlier. Infants with BPD may have benefited the most.

Beyond Necrotizing Enterocolitis Prevention: Improving Outcomes with an Exclusive Human Milk-Based Diet

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of infants pre and post initiation of a feeding protocol providing an exclusive human milk-based diet (HUM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a multicenter retrospective cohort study, infants with a birth weight <1,250 g who received a bovine-based diet (BOV) of mother's own milk fortified with bovine fortifier and/or preterm formula were compared to infants who received a newly introduced HUM feeding protocol. Infants were excluded if they had major congenital anomalies or died in the first 12 hours of life. Data were collected 2-3 years prior to and after introduction of an exclusive HUM diet. Primary outcomes were necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and mortality. Secondary outcomes included late-onset sepsis, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

RESULTS

A total of 1,587 infants were included from four centers in Texas, Illinois, Florida, and California. There were no differences in baseline demographics or growth of infants. The HUM group had significantly lower incidence of proven NEC (16.7% versus 6.9%, p < 0.00001), mortality (17.2% versus 13.6%, p = 0.04), late-onset sepsis (30.3% versus 19.0%, p < 0.00001), ROP (9% versus 5.2%, p = 0.003), and BPD (56.3% versus 47.7%, p = 0.0015) compared with the BOV group.

CONCLUSIONS

Extremely premature infants who received an exclusive HUM diet had a significantly lower incidence of NEC and mortality. The HUM group also had a reduction in late-onset sepsis, BPD, and ROP. This multicenter study further emphasizes the many benefits of an exclusive HUM diet, and demonstrates multiple improved outcomes after implementation of such a feeding protocol.

A theory-informed, process-oriented Resident Scholarship Program

BACKGROUND

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires residency programs to provide curricula for residents to engage in scholarly activities but does not specify particular guidelines for instruction. We propose a Resident Scholarship Program that is framed by the self-determination theory (SDT) and emphasize the process of scholarly activity versus a scholarly product.

METHODS

The authors report on their longitudinal Resident Scholarship Program, which aimed to support psychological needs central to SDT: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. By addressing those needs in program aims and program components, the program may foster residents' intrinsic motivation to learn and to engage in scholarly activity. To this end, residents' engagement in scholarly processes, and changes in perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness were assessed.

RESULTS

Residents engaged in a range of scholarly projects and expressed positive regard for the program. Compared to before residency, residents felt more confident in the process of scholarly activity, as determined by changes in increased perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Scholarly products were accomplished in return for a focus on scholarly process.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our experience, and in line with the SDT, supporting residents' autonomy, competence, and relatedness through a process-oriented scholarship program may foster the curiosity, inquisitiveness, and internal motivation to learn that drives scholarly activity and ultimately the production of scholarly products.

Serum phosphorus levels in premature infants receiving a donor human milk derived fortifier

An elevated serum phosphorus (P) has been anecdotally described in premature infants receiving human milk fortified with donor human milk-derived fortifier (HMDF). No studies have prospectively investigated serum P in premature infants receiving this fortification strategy. In this single center prospective observational cohort study, extremely premature infants ≤ 1250 grams (g) birth weight (BW) were fed an exclusive human milk-based diet receiving HMDF and serum P levels were obtained. We evaluated 93 infants with a mean gestational age of 27.5 ± 2.0 weeks (Mean ± SD) and BW of 904 ± 178 g. Seventeen infants (18.3%) had at least one high serum P level with a mean serum P of 9.2 ± 1.1 mg/dL occurring at 19 ± 11 days of life. For all infants, the highest serum P was inversely correlated to the day of life of the infant (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.175) and positively correlated with energy density of HMDF (p = 0.035). Serum P was not significantly related to gender, BW, gestational age, or days to full feeds. We conclude that the incidence of hyperphosphatemia was mild and transient in this population. The risk decreased with infant age and was unrelated to gender, BW, or ethnicity.

Ascending in utero herpes simplex virus infection in an initially healthy-appearing premature infant

The usual route of acquisition for intrauterine herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is transplacental. We evaluated a premature infant with in utero acquisition of HSV resulting from ascending infection. Histopathologic evidence of chronic chorioamnionitis and positive staining with immunohistochemistry for HSV in the placenta and umbilical cord established the diagnosis. The clinical presentation was also of interest in that the infant was initially healthy appearing.

Fortifier and cream improve fat delivery in continuous enteral infant feeding of breast milk

Premature and high-risk infants require accurate delivery of nutrients to promote appropriate growth. Continuous enteral feeding methods may result in significant fat and micronutrient loss. This study evaluated fat loss in enteral nutrition using current strategies for providing high-risk infants fortified human milk (HM). The fat content of HM was measured by IR analyzer in a simulated feeding system using the Kangaroo epumpTM and the MedFusionTM 2010 pump. Comparisons in fat loss were made between HM, HM supplemented with donor HM-derived fortifier Prolacta+H2MFTM (H2MF), and HM supplemented with H2MF and donor HM-derived cream ProlactCRTM (cream). When using the Kangaroo epumpTM, the addition of H2MF and cream to HM increased fat delivery efficiency from 75.0%±1.2% to 83.7%±1.0% (p<0.0001). When using the MedFusionTM 2010 pump, the addition of H2MF to HM increased fat delivery efficiency from 83.2%±2.8% to 88.8%±0.8% (p<0.05), and the addition of H2MF and cream increased fat delivery efficiency to 92.0%±0.3% (p<0.01). The addition of H2MF and cream to HM provides both the benefits of bioactive elements from mother's milk and increased fat delivery, making the addition of H2MF and cream an appropriate method to improve infant weight gain.

Randomized trial of human milk cream as a supplement to standard fortification of an exclusive human milk-based diet in infants 750-1250 g birth weight

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether premature infants who received an exclusive human milk (HM)-based diet and a HM-derived cream supplement (cream) would have weight gain (g/kg/d) at least as good as infants receiving a standard feeding regimen (control).

STUDY DESIGN

In a prospective noninferiority, randomized, unmasked study, infants with a birth weight 750-1250 g were randomly assigned to the control or cream group. The control group received mother's own milk or donor HM with donor HM-derived fortifier. The cream group received a HM-derived cream supplement if the energy density of the HM tested <20 kcal/oz using a near infrared HM analyzer. Infants were continued on the protocol until 36 weeks postmenstrual age. Primary outcomes included growth velocities and amount of donor HM-derived fortifier used. The hypothesis of noninferiority was established if the lower bound of the one-sided 95% CI for the difference in weight velocities exceeded -3 g/kg/day.

RESULTS

There were no differences between groups in baseline demographics for the 78 infants studied except racial distribution (P = .02). The cream group (n = 39) had superior weight (14.0 ± 2.5 vs 12.4 ± 3.0 g/kg/d, P = .03) and length (1.03 ± 0.33 vs 0.83 ± 0.41 cm/wk, P = .02) velocity compared with the control group (n = 39). There were no significant differences in amount of fortifier used between study groups. The 1-sided 95% lower bound of the CI for the difference in mean velocity (cream-control) was 0.38 g/kg/d.

CONCLUSIONS

Premature infants who received HM-derived cream to fortified HM had improved weight and length velocity compared with the control group. HM-derived cream should be considered an adjunctive supplement to an exclusive HM-based diet to improve growth rates in premature infants.

Human milk feeding supports adequate growth in infants ≤ 1250 grams birth weight

Background

Despite current nutritional strategies, premature infants remain at high risk for extrauterine growth restriction. The use of an exclusive human milk-based diet is associated with decreased incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), but concerns exist about infants achieving adequate growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth velocities and incidence of extrauterine growth restriction in infants ≤ 1250 grams (g) birth weight (BW) receiving an exclusive human milk-based diet with early and rapid advancement of fortification using a donor human milk derived fortifier.

Methods

In a single center, prospective observational cohort study, preterm infants weighing ≤ 1250 g BW were fed an exclusive human milk-based diet until 34 weeks postmenstrual age. Human milk fortification with donor human milk derived fortifier was started at 60 mL/kg/d and advanced to provide 6 to 8 additional kilocalories per ounce (or 0.21 to 0.28 kilocalories per gram). Data for growth were compared to historical growth standards and previous human milk-fed cohorts.

Results

We consecutively evaluated 104 infants with mean gestational age of 27.6 ± 2.0 weeks and BW of 913 ± 181 g (mean ± standard deviation). Weight gain was 24.8 ± 5.4 g/kg/day with length 0.99 ± 0.23 cm/week and head circumference 0.72 ± 0.14 cm/week. There were 3 medical NEC cases and 1 surgical NEC case. 22 infants (21%) were small for gestational age at birth. Overall, 45 infants (43%) had extrauterine growth restriction. Weight velocity was affected by day of fortification (p = 0.005) and day of full feeds (p = 0.02). Our cohort had significantly greater growth in weight and length compared to previous entirely human milk-fed cohorts.

Conclusions

A feeding protocol for infants ≤ 1250 g BW providing an exclusive human milk-based diet with early and rapid advancement of fortification leads to growth meeting targeted standards with a low rate of extrauterine growth restriction. Consistent nutritional policies using this approach may be considered for this population.