Human milk fortification and gastric emptying in the preterm neonate

Fortification of expressed breast milk (EBM) is widely recommended for preterm feeding. Fortification of EBM results in increased caloric density and osmolarity, both of which may retard gastric emptying. As gastric emptying is a major determinant of feed tolerance, we investigated the effect of fortification (with Lactodex HMF) of EBM on gastric emptying in preterm neonates. The half gastric emptying time was measured using real time ultrasonography in 25 consecutive preterm neonates first on EBM alone, then on EBM + Lactodex HMF. Each baby served as its own control. The students t-test was used for statistical analysis. The mean gestation age was 34.48 +/- 0.77 weeks. The mean birth weight was 1.92 +/- 0.14 kg. The mean half gastric emptying time at an age of 5.4 +/- 0.86 days on EBM was 24.00 +/- 5.00 min and 24.40 +/- 5.06 min on EBM + human milk fortifier (HMF). The same at 2nd assessment (15.2 +/- 1.79 days), with EBM was 22.80 +/- 4.58 min vs. 23.60 +/- 4.89 min when given EBM + HMF. These differences were not statistically significant. Fortification of EBM with Lactodex HMF does not affect the gastric emptying in preterm neonates and therefore is unlikely to affect feed tolerance in them.