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A thickened formula does not reduce apneas related to gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants

Luigi Corvaglia1, Monica Spizzichino, Arianna Aceti

  • 1Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy. luigi.corvaglia@unibo.it

Neonatology
|November 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Thickening preterm formula with amylopectin did not reduce apnea of prematurity or related GER-apneas. While it reduced acid reflux, it did not impact non-acid reflux events in preterm infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infant Nutrition

Background:

  • Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is common in preterm infants.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can trigger AOP in some infants.
  • Dietary modifications are a first-line conservative treatment for GER and related AOP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess if a starch-thickened preterm formula (TPF) reduces GER-related apneas in preterm infants.
  • To compare the efficacy of TPF versus standard preterm formula (PF).

Main Methods:

  • 24 preterm infants with AOP were studied using polysomnography and impedance/pH monitoring.
  • Infants received two feedings: one standard PF and one amylopectin-thickened TPF.
  • GER indexes, apneas, and GER-related apneas were compared between the two feeding types.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in the number of AOP or GER-related apneas was observed between TPF and PF.
  • TPF significantly reduced acid exposure (acid GER) but did not affect non-acid GER indexes.
  • Total GER episodes and apneas did not differ significantly between the two formulas.

Conclusions:

  • Amylopectin-thickened formula is not effective in reducing AOP or GER-related apneas.
  • Thickened formula may help manage acid reflux but not non-acid reflux in this population.
  • Further investigation into alternative conservative strategies for GER-related apneas is warranted.
Abstract

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