Comparative Growth Outcome of Preterm Neonate Fed Post-Discharge Formula and Breast Milk after Discharge
Uraiwan Chotigeat MD*, Jarinthorn Vongpakorn MD*
Affiliation : * Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To evaluate the post-discharge growth, laboratory outcome, neurodevelopment and safety of post-discharge
formula in comparison to breast milk.
Material and Method: A prospective cohort of preterm infants, who were discharged on breast milk or post-discharge
formula (PDF) were studied. Demographic data, post-discharge growth, laboratory outcome, neurodevelopment and
complications were recorded. These infants were followed-up at 40 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA) 2, 4 and 6 months’
corrected age. The present study was conducted for 22 months (from September 1, 2011-May 31, 2013).
Results : Seventeen infants were enrolled in the study, 7 in the breastfed group and 10 in the PDF group. Mean maternal age
in breastfed group were significantly younger compared with PDF-fed group. PDF-fed infants were longer with statistical
significantly at 40 weeks PMA and 4 months’ corrected age (p<0.05). At 2 months’ corrected age, babies in breast milk group
were significantly heavier compared to those in PDF group. Conversely, those in PDF group were heavier than the breastfed
group at 4 months’ corrected age (p<0.05). There was no difference of head circumference between groups at follow-up. A
higher serum phosphorus and lower serum alkaline phosphatase were related to improve suspected osteopenia of prematurity
at 2 months’ corrected age in PDF group (p = 0.007). Hematocrit was higher in the PDF group than breastfed group, which
was statistically significant at 40 weeks’ postmenstrual age and 6 months’ corrected age. There were no significant differences
in developmental screening in both groups.
Conclusion : Post-discharge formula may improve growth, hematocrit and reduce suspected osteopenia of prematurity.
However, neurodevelopment outcome and complications were similar to both groups.
Keywords : Preterm, Breast milk, Post-discharge formula
