Blood biochemical profile of very preterm infants before and after trophic feeding with exclusive human milk or with formula milk

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether feeding type of trophic feeds affect haematological and biochemical markers in the very preterm infant.

Design and methods: Fifty-six very preterm infants were enrolled in this retrospective study (30 infants were included in the only human milk-fed group and 26 in the formula-fed group). Routine haematological and biochemical variables were collected in both groups on days 1 and 4 of life and fourteen serum markers were measured.

Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups before starting trophic feeds. After starting trophic feeds, sodium and lactate levels were significantly higher in the human milk-fed group compared with those measured in the formula-fed group.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that supplementation of minimal enteral feeding with human milk does affect biochemical profiles in very preterm infants. Small amounts of enteral feedings of formula and/or human milk may result in different metabolic responses; these differences are reflected by different serum biochemistries.

Keywords: Acidosis; Breast milk; Ions; Minimal enteral nutrition; Preterm infant.