[Effects on growth, tolerability and biochemical parameters of two different human milk fortifiers in very low birth-weight newborns].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to compare a group of very low birth-weight infants feeded with a preterm formula with two other groups feeded with human milk and two different fortifiers.


METHODS
30 preterm newborns with birth-weight < 1.500 g, admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Department of Neonatology of Catholic University of Rome were randomized for three different feeding groups: total enteral nutrition with HM fortified with Enfamil Human Milk fortifier or with Eoprotin, compared to a group feeded with Similac 24 preterm formula. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).


RESULTS
During the study and at the end we found a growth rate for weight, cranial circumference and lenght similar to the fetal standard growth rate in the third trimester of pregnancy in all the three groups. Fortified HM was well tolerated. No pathologic value of the biochemical parameters studied was found. Higher level of serum phosphorus in spite of significantly lower intakes of phosphorus occurred in fortified HM feeded neonates, as if there was a better availability of this nutrient in HM.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates the role of fortified HM as a good alternative to the preterm formula.
Zuppa
A A
AA
Cattedra di Neonatologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma.
Girlando
P
P
Scapillati
M E
ME
Maggio
L
L
Romagnoli
C
C
Tortorolo
G
G
D002657:Child Development; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male