Randomized controlled trial of feeding a concentrated formula to infants born to women infected by human immunodeficiency virus.
OBJECTIVE
We tested the hypothesis that concentrated formula (CF) begun within the first 2 weeks of life increases growth in infants born to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected mothers.


METHODS
HIV-exposed infants from the United States, the Bahamas, and Brazil were randomized in a double-blind, controlled trial to receive either a CF (87 kcal/100 mL [26 kcal/oz]) or a standard formula (SF; 67 kcal/100 mL [20 kcal/oz]) for 8 weeks. This article presents results for infants who were not determined to be HIV infected based on testing at 4 weeks. Primary outcomes were safety, tolerability, and growth in weight and length.


RESULTS
Two thousand ninety-seven infants were enrolled, of whom 1998 were uninfected and had study formula dispensed. At weeks 4 and 8, uninfected infants receiving CF showed higher energy intake than those who were receiving SF (P < 0.001). By week 8, uninfected infants assigned to CF weighed more than infants receiving SF. There were no consistent differences in measures of tolerability, and rates of discontinuation or perceived formula intolerance were similar between treatment groups.


CONCLUSIONS
A CF is well tolerated and results in increased weight gain compared with SF. Until the HIV status of an infant is reliably determined, early introduction of a CF in HIV-exposed children may have beneficial effects on growth. The role of early nutritional intervention remains to be determined for individuals living in countries with endemic malnutrition for whom formula feeding is a viable option.
Winter
Harland S
HS
Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA. hwinter@partners.org
Oleske
James M
JM
Hughes
Michael D
MD
McKinney
Ross E
RE
Elgie
Carol
C
Powell
Christine
C
Purdue
Lynette
L
Puga
Ana M
AM
Jimenez
Eleanor
E
Scott
Gwendolyn B
GB
Cruz
Maria Leticia Santos
ML
Moye
Jack
J
D000818:Animals; D001444:Bahamas; D001938:Brazil; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000737:chemistry; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008892:Milk; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; D014481:United States; D015430:Weight Gain