[Our experience based on Omneo 1 /Nutrilon Comfort 1/ formula-fed of high-risk newborn babies].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the acceptability and effect of Omneo 1/Nutrilon Comfort/milk formula of high-risk newborn babies.

METHODS

Omneo 1 was given as food to 30 high-risk newborn babies. All of them were prematurely born of an average birth gestation age-33 gestation weeks and of average weight--1757,16 gr. None of the infants was ever fed mother's milk. The intake of Omneo 1 was applied to infants of stabilized health condition and post conceptual age no less than 38 gestation weeks /the average gestation weeks were 38,96/. The following parameters were closely observed: Body weight was measured once a week with the accuracy of +/- 5 gr.; The fecal pH was measured an 20 babies by means of multicolor indication paper Merck Eurolaba GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany; Stool characteristics-consistency and frequency, regurgitation and vomiting were recorded on the basis of mother's and personals interview. Methods used--clinical analysis, inquiry method, laboratory and anthropometric measuring. The survey is prospective.

RESULTS

Weight gain was of 800 gr up to 1200 gr per month. Per day was achieved at an average weight gain - 37,60 gr. Decrease fecal pH was observed--at the beginning 7.1 (+/- 0.65) at the end of the study--5.1(+/-). The acidity of the excrements decreased which suppressed the development of pathogenic microorganisms. As regards the public inquiry, parents did not report cases an gastro-intestinal discomfort (regurgitation, constipation, colic). In two of the babies, blood in the excrements was macroscopically traced and "Allergy to cow's milk protein" was diagnosed. One of the infants was hospitalized with a generalized infection. The feeding with Omneo 1 was suspended in the case of these newborn, and they were excluded from the survey.

CONCLUSION

Parents are positive about feeding Omneo 1 despite the higher price of the product. Omneo 1 milk contributes to adequate weight growth of high-risk newborn babies and its intake results in lower fecal pH as an indicator of positive bifidus effect.