Association Between Different Feeding Methods and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants: A Retrospective...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Respiratory Health

Background:

• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are significant morbidities in preterm infants.
• Feeding practices in the early neonatal period are critical for infant outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between early feeding methods (mother's own milk, donor human milk, formula) and the incidence of BPD in preterm infants.
• To evaluate the impact of these feeding methods on other neonatal morbidities including NEC, PVL, ROP, and sepsis.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study included preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation or <1,500 g) admitted between March 2023 and February 2024.
• Infants were categorized by their primary feeding method (MOM, DHM, or formula) within the first two weeks post-birth.
• BPD incidence was the primary outcome, with NEC, PVL, ROP, and sepsis as secondary outcomes.

Main Results:

• BPD incidence was significantly lower in infants fed MOM (22%) and DHM (16%) compared to formula (35%) (p=0.03).
• Formula feeding was associated with increased odds of BPD compared to both MOM and DHM.
• NEC incidence was also significantly lower in the MOM and DHM groups (7.15%, 9.38%) versus formula (20.21%) (p=0.016).

Conclusions:

• Both mother's own milk and donor human milk are associated with reduced risks of BPD and NEC in preterm infants.
• Donor human milk appears to be a safe and effective alternative to mother's own milk for preterm infants.
• Optimizing early nutrition with human milk is crucial for improving outcomes in vulnerable preterm populations.