Unpasteurised maternal breast milk is positively associated with growth outcomes in extremely preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Growth Monitoring

Background:

• Extrauterine growth restriction is a significant concern for extremely preterm infants.
• Nutritional support is critical for improving growth outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between unpasteurised maternal milk (MM) and pasteurised donor milk (DM) intake and longitudinal growth in extremely preterm infants.
• To explore the relationship between milk intake and neonatal morbidities, specifically retinopathy of prematurity.

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving 90 extremely preterm infants born between 2013 and 2015.
• Prospective data collection on nutritional and milk intakes during the first 28 postnatal days.
• Analysis of growth z-scores (weight, length, head circumference) at 28 days and postmenstrual ages 32 and 36 weeks.

Main Results:

• Maternal milk (MM) intake showed a positive correlation with weight, length, and head circumference z-scores.
• Higher MM intake (≥80%) was associated with more favorable weight z-scores at 32 and 36 weeks postmenstrual age.
• Donor milk (DM) intake was not correlated with any growth outcomes.
• Infants without retinopathy of prematurity had significantly higher MM intake.

Conclusions:

• Unpasteurised maternal milk (MM) intake is positively associated with improved longitudinal growth outcomes in extremely preterm infants.
• Promoting and supporting mothers to provide their own milk is crucial for optimizing growth in preterm neonates.
• Donor milk does not appear to confer the same growth benefits as maternal milk in this population.