Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation
09:02

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation

Published on: February 15, 2018

20.0K

Growth and Development in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants After the Introduction of Exclusive Human Milk Feedings

Michael Colacci1, Karna Murthy1, Raye-Ann O DeRegnier1

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.

American Journal of Perinatology
|June 21, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Exclusive human milk (EHM) feedings support similar growth and neurodevelopment in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants compared to bovine milk-based products. This study found no significant differences in cognitive scores or growth velocity between the two feeding groups.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Pediatric neurodevelopment
  • Infant growth studies

Background:

  • Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants require specialized nutrition for optimal outcomes.
  • Human milk is recognized for its benefits, but its use in ELBW infants can be challenging.
  • Previous research suggests potential advantages of human milk-based fortifiers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of exclusive human milk (EHM) feedings versus bovine milk-based (BOV) feedings on growth and neurodevelopment in ELBW infants.
  • To assess cognitive development using Bayley-III scores up to 18 months corrected age (CA).
  • To evaluate growth velocity and overall growth patterns in ELBW infants based on feeding regimen.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of ELBW infants admitted between July 2011 and June 2013.
  • Infants were grouped based on feeding regimen: bovine milk-based (July 2011-June 2012) or human milk-based (July 2012 onwards).
  • Primary outcomes included Bayley-III cognitive scores at 6, 12, and 18 months CA and growth parameters.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in cognitive domain scores were observed between EHM and BOV groups at 6, 12, or 18 months CA.
  • Growth velocity prior to discharge and subsequent growth were similar between infants receiving EHM and those receiving BOV feedings.
  • The study included 85 ELBW infants, with 46% receiving EHM, born at a mean gestational age of 26 weeks and birth weight of 776g.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusive human milk (EHM) feedings are associated with comparable growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in ELBW infants when contrasted with bovine milk-based products.
  • The findings support the use of EHM in ELBW infants, indicating it can support similar developmental trajectories.
  • Further research may explore long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes and specific immunological benefits.

More Related Videos

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings04:16

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings

Published on: February 7, 2025

983
Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers09:36

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers

Published on: July 28, 2022

2.7K

Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
5
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
1.1K
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
7