Effects of formula supplementation in breast-fed infants with failure to thrive.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present study was to assess whether formula supplementation of infants with failure to thrive can improve underweight without jeopardizing breast-feeding.


METHODS
In a prospective intervention study 31 term exclusively breast-fed infants were studied, who were admitted to hospital at an age of 28-99 days with failure to thrive (< or =40% expected weight gain for age and/or bodyweight < or =10th percentile for age) without underlying disease. Infant formula was offered ad libitum after each breast-feeding, while continued breast-feeding was supported.


RESULTS
Energy intake per day increased from 352 +/- 111 kJ/kg (mean +/- SD) at study start to 587 +/- 115 kJ/kg (P < 0.001, days 1-3 of supplementation) and 501 +/- 99 kJ/kg (days 29-31; P < 0.001 vs study entry). Twenty-five infants continued to be partially (n = 21) or fully (n = 4) breast-fed. Human milk intake decreased from 476 +/- 163 g/day (study days 1-3) to 349 +/- 285 g/day (study days 29-31; P < 0.01). The contribution of breast milk to total milk intake decreased from 100% to 42 +/- 35% (P < 0.001). Supplementation over 31 days led to increased weight (0.98 [0.70], standard deviation scores [SDS]), length (+0.40 [0.41] SDS) and head circumference (+0.59 [0.93] SDS).


CONCLUSIONS
One month of formula supplementation successfully improved growth in 72% of infants with failure to thrive on human milk feeding. Breast-feeding was maintained in 81% of infants.
Dietetics and Nutrition Unit, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Irena
I
Hren
Natasa Fidler
NF
Mis
Jernej
J
Brecelj
Andreja Sirca
AS
Campa
Marjeta
M
Sedmak
Ciril
C
Krzisnik
Berthold
B
Koletzko
D001835:Body Weight; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005183:Failure to Thrive / Q000628:therapy*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000737:chemistry; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies
D005227:Fatty Acids