Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are essential components of the structural lipids in neuronal cell membranes. Fortification of infant formula with these fatty acids has been reported to have a positive impact on neurodevelopmental outcome and visual function in preterm infants. Stockard, et al (Pediatric Research 1996; 39: 320A) reported that ABR latencies were longer in rat pups whose dams were fed fish oil (high in DHA) vs corn oil or chow throughout pregnancy and lactation. However, no data are available in human infants. Since preterm infants routinely have ABR's performed prior to discharge, a retrospective study was conducted in preterm infants who, as part of another study, were fed formula with either 1% or 3.2% of fat as ALA (the precursor of DHA) and had plasma phospholipid levels of DHA and AA determined prior to discharge. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine the best set of predictors of ABR I-V interpeak intervals at hospital discharge. The best such equation was:
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