Sergio Verd1, Maríajosé García2, Antonio Gutiérrez3, Eli Moliner2, Esther López2, Gemma Ginovart2. 1. Department of Paediatrics, Hospital de la Santa Cruz y San Pablo, 90 Mas Casanovas St., 08041 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: drsverd@gmail.com. 2. Neonatal Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital de la Santa Cruz y San Pablo, 90 Mas Casanovas St., 08041 Barcelona, Spain. 3. Division of Hematology, Molecular Biology Unit, Hospital Son Espases, Valldemossa Road 79, 07010 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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.
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.