Premature infant feeding: role of diluted formula

The role of half strength, double volume milk feeds for initiating feeding in preterm newborn infants was evaluated. Thirty eight premature infants were included in the study and divided into Groups A and B having 20 and 18 babies, respectively. Group A babies were fed half strength (10 cal/oz) formula feeds but the volume was doubled, while Group B babies were fed full strength formula feeds (20 cal/oz) with standard volume. A pre-set schedule was evolved for feed increments in the two groups. The amount of feeds was increased daily till a volume of 150 ml/kg/day was reached. The end point of the study was achieved when the caloric intake became 100 cal/kg/day. It was observed that Group A babies attained enteral energy intake of 100 cals/kg/day much earlier and experienced lesser complications, viz., persistent gastric aspirate and abdominal distension. They required intravenous supplementation for a shorter duration thus reducing the associated complications.