Standardizing feeding strategies for preterm infants born greater than 1500 grams.

BACKGROUND

Use of standardized feeding protocols and donor breast milk (DBM) have been studied primarily in infants born <1500 g and not examined exclusively in infants born >1500 g.

METHODS

In this retrospective pre-post-implementation cohort study, we evaluated a protocol for preterm infants born >1500 g that was implemented clinically to standardize feeding advancements at 30 mL/kg/day, with infants born <33 weeks eligible to receive DBM. We compared placement of peripherally inserted central catheters for parenteral nutrition, feeding tolerance, growth, and maternal milk provision in the 18 months before/after implementation. The association between DBM intake and growth was evaluated using multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

We identified 133 and 148 eligible infants pre/post-implementation. Frequency of peripherally inserted central catheters and rate of maternal milk provision was not statistically different. While there was no difference in median days to full enteral volume, there was a narrower distribution post-implementation (p < 0.001). Growth was similar between eras, but each 10% increase in DBM was associated with 1.0 g/d decrease in weight velocity (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A feeding protocol for preterm infants >1500 g is associated with more consistent time to full enteral volume. Further investigation is needed to clarify DBM's impact on growth in this population.

IMPACT

Despite practice creep, no study has examined the use of standardized feeding protocols or pasteurized donor breast milk exclusively in infants >1500 g. A feeding protocol in this population may achieve full enteral feedings more consistently. With appropriate fortification, donor breast milk can support adequate growth in infants born >1500 g but warrants further study.