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Fracture and fortified breast milk in an extremely preterm infant

M J Sharp1, K Simmer

  • 1Neonatology Clinical Care Unit, University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia. maryjane.sharp@health.wa.gov.au

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is common in preterm infants. This case highlights severe MBD with fractures in an extremely preterm infant fed fortified mother's milk, questioning current supplementation practices.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Bone Metabolism

Background:

  • Metabolic bone disease (MBD) significantly impacts preterm infants, with risk increasing with lower gestational age and birthweight.
  • Poor bone mineralization affects over half of infants born under 1000 grams.
  • Optimal nutrition for extremely preterm infants typically involves mother's own milk, often requiring supplementation to meet nutritional demands.

Observation:

  • This report details a severe case of MBD with fractures in an extremely preterm infant.
  • The infant was exclusively fed mother's milk supplemented with commercial fortifiers.

Findings:

  • The case demonstrates severe MBD despite feeding with fortified mother's milk.
  • There is a lack of conclusive evidence regarding the efficacy of commercial fortifiers in improving bone mineral content in human milk.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the need for further research into optimal nutritional strategies for preventing MBD in extremely preterm infants.
  • Current supplementation protocols may require re-evaluation to ensure adequate bone health in this vulnerable population.
  • Investigating alternative or modified fortification methods is crucial for improving outcomes.

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