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Role of Hindmilk in Weight Gain of Preterm Low-Birth-Weight Neonates: A Prospective Comparative Study

Jayasrinivas S Gandikota1, Shankargouda V Patil1, Mallanagouda Patil1

  • 1Pediatrics, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijayapura, IND.

Cureus
|September 25, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Hindmilk feeding significantly improves weight gain and anthropometric measurements in preterm, low-birth-weight infants. This nutrient-rich milk is recommended for neonatal care to optimize growth and development in vulnerable newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Nutrition
  • Pediatric Growth and Development
  • Human Milk Composition

Background:

  • Low birth weight and prematurity are critical factors influencing neonatal mortality and morbidity.
  • Preterm infants, particularly those with extremely low birth weights, face substantial health challenges requiring optimized nutrition.
  • Hindmilk, a component of human breast milk, is recognized for its high concentration of essential nutrients vital for neonatal growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of hindmilk feeding on weight gain in preterm, low-birth-weight neonates.
  • To assess the effect of hindmilk on anthropometric measurements, including occipitofrontal circumference and length, in this vulnerable population.
  • To compare the growth outcomes of neonates receiving hindmilk versus composite milk.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective comparative study involving 148 preterm, low-birth-weight neonates in a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit.
  • Neonates were randomized into two groups: Group 1 receiving hindmilk and Group 2 receiving composite milk.
  • Weight gain and anthropometric parameters were systematically measured and analyzed at the study's conclusion.

Main Results:

  • Group 1 neonates demonstrated significantly higher mean weight at discharge (1664.22 ± 328.9g) compared to Group 2 (1542.33 ± 369.24g; p=0.03).
  • Head circumference was significantly greater in the hindmilk group (31.72 ± 2.52 cm) versus the composite milk group (30.76 ± 4.01 cm; p=0.04).
  • Neonates fed hindmilk also showed significantly greater length at discharge (44.10 ± 2.84 cm) compared to the control group (42.23 ± 3.76 cm; p=0.00).

Conclusions:

  • Selective hindmilk feeding is a highly recommended nutritional strategy for enhancing growth outcomes in preterm, low-birth-weight neonates.
  • Incorporating hindmilk into neonatal care protocols can optimize the growth and development of vulnerable infants.
  • Hindmilk's nutrient density plays a crucial role in improving key growth parameters in preterm neonates.

Keywords:
anthropometryhindmilklow-birth-weight babiespretermweight gain

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