Blood biochemical profile of very preterm infants before and after trophic feeding with exclusive human milk or with formula milk

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine whether feeding type of trophic feeds affect haematological and biochemical markers in the very preterm infant. Design and methodsFifty-six very preterm infants were enrolled in this retrospective study (30 infants were included in the only human milk-fed group and 26 in the formula-fed group). Routine haematological and biochemical variables were collected in both groups on days 1 and 4 of life and fourteen serum markers were measured. ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups before starting trophic feeds. After starting trophic feeds, sodium and lactate levels were significantly higher in the human milk-fed group compared with those measured in the formula-fed group. ConclusionThe study demonstrates that supplementation of minimal enteral feeding with human milk does affect biochemical profiles in very preterm infants. Small amounts of enteral feedings of formula and/or human milk may result in different metabolic responses; these differences are reflected by different serum biochemistries.