Comparative growth outcome of preterm neonate fed post-discharge formula and breast milk after discharge.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the post-discharge growth, laboratory outcome, neurodevelopment and safety of post-discharge formula in comparison to breast milk.


METHODS
A prospective cohort of preterm infants, who were discharged on breast milk or post-discharge formula (PDF) were studied. Demographic data, post-discharge growth, laboratory outcome, neurodevelopment and complications were recorded. These infants were followed-up at 40 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) 2, 4 and 6 months' corrected age. The present study was conducted for 22 months (from September 1, 2011-May 31, 2013).


RESULTS
Seventeen infants were enrolled in the study, 7 in the breastfed group and 10 in the PDF group. Mean maternal age in breastfed group were significantly younger compared with PDF-fed group. PDF-fed infants were longer with statistical significantly at 40 weeks PMA and 4 months' corrected age (p < 0.05). At 2 months' corrected age, babies in breast milk group were significantly heavier compared to those in PDF group. Conversely, those in PDF group were heavier than the breastfed group at 4 months' corrected age (p < 0.05). There was no difference of head circumference between groups at follow-up. A higher serum phosphorus and lower serum alkaline phosphatase were related to improve suspected osteopenia of prematurity at 2 months' corrected age in PDF group (p = 0.007). Hematocrit was higher in the PDF group than breastfed group, which was statistically significant at 40 weeks' postmenstrual age and 6 months' corrected age. There were no significant diferences in developmental screening in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Post-discharge formula may improve growth, hematocrit and reduce suspected osteopenia of prematurity. However neurodevelopment outcome and complications were similar to both groups.
Uraiwan
U
Chotigeat
Jarinthorn
J
Vongpakorn
D000818:Animals; D049628:Body Size; D001835:Body Weight; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002508:Cephalometry; D053198:Child Nutrition Sciences; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development*; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk; D008895:Milk, Human; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011446:Prospective Studies