Carbohydrate supplementation of human milk to promote growth in preterm infants.
BACKGROUND
This section is under preparation and will be included in the next issue.


OBJECTIVE
The main objective was to determine if addition of carbohydrate supplements to human milk leads to improved growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes without significant adverse effects in preterm infants.


METHODS
The standard search strategy of the Neonatal Review Group was used. This includes searches of the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, MEDLINE, previous reviews including cross references, abstracts, conferences and symposia proceedings, expert informants, journal handsearching mainly in the English language.


METHODS
All trials utilising random or quasi-random allocation evaluating the supplementation of human milk with carbohydrate in preterm infants within a nursery setting were eligible.


METHODS
Not applicable.


RESULTS
No eligible trials were found.


CONCLUSIONS
There are no studies which have specifically evaluated the addition of carbohydrate alone for the purpose of improving growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes. No recommendations for practice can be made. Research should be directed towards comparison of different quantities and types of carbohydrate in multicomponent fortifiers containing protein and minerals, specifically evaluating short-term growth and long-term growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Kuschel
C A
CA
Newborn Services, National Women's Hospital, Private Bag 92 189, Auckland, New Zealand. CarlK@ahsl.co.nz
Harding
J E
JE
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006128:Growth; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008895:Milk, Human
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates