[Colostrum protocol evaluation for very low birth weight preterm infants].

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Oral colostrum administration is a recommended practice for very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants.
• The clinical impact of early colostrum on infant outcomes and maternal lactation requires further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical effects of early oral colostrum administration on in-hospital outcomes.
• To evaluate the impact on lactation in VLBW preterm infants compared to historical controls.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cohort study with historical controls was conducted.
• Infants under 1500 grams were included, with exclusions for specific maternal and infant conditions.
• Perinatal, morbidity, nutritional, and breastfeeding data were compared between groups.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in infectious, respiratory, or gastrointestinal morbidity, enteral feeding progression, parenteral nutrition duration, or hospital stay.
• A significant increase in breastfeeding at discharge (52% vs. 69%) and breast milk volume (70 vs. 102 ml/kg/day) was observed in the post-colostrum group.
• Groups were comparable in perinatal history.

Conclusions:

• Early colostrum administration in VLBW preterm infants is associated with increased maternal milk volume at discharge.
• This practice demonstrates a positive benefit for VLBW preterm infant care, particularly concerning lactation support.