Mother's Own Milk and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Eduardo Villamor-Martínez1, Maria Pierro2, Giacomo Cavallaro3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands.

Insights

Exclusive use of mother's own milk (MOM) in preterm infants may reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, this effect requires further investigation in adequately powered studies.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common, serious complication of very preterm birth.
  • Optimal nutrition is crucial for preventing and treating BPD in vulnerable infants.
  • Mother's own milk (MOM) is linked to better outcomes, but its specific role in BPD prevention needs systematic evaluation.

Conclusions:

  • This systematic review suggests exclusive mother's own milk (MOM) feeding may decrease bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) incidence.
  • The observed benefit of exclusive MOM requires cautious interpretation and needs confirmation in further research.
  • Additional well-powered studies are necessary to adjust for confounders and definitively establish MOM's role in BPD prevention.

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