Breast milk and infant formula milk for the prevention of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in premature infants

Abstract

Introduction A relationship was found between the use of breast milk and infant formula milk and a decrease in the incidence and number of clinical complications caused by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of breast milk and infant formula milk in terms of reducing of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, the level of morbidity, the severity of damage to brain structures, the time before switching to full-fledged enteral nutrition and the frequency of detecting feeding intolerance in premature infants. Methods Prospective observation of the development of 254 premature babies were treated up to six months of corrected age at the Department of Neurology of Early Growth in 2016-2018. The effect of breast milk and formula milk on neurological status was compared. Results In comparison, breast milk and formula milk didn’t show any effect on the frequency of severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (p <0,05), the severity of brain damage(р <0,01). Breast milk showed a statistically significant effect in terms of reducing the average number before switching to full enteral nutrition (p <0,01). Conclusions Breast milk and formula milk does not affect the frequency of development of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, the severity of brain damage. Breast milk significantly reduces the frequency of feeding intolerance, accelerates the transition to enteral nutrition, reduces the duration of hospitalization in premature infants. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• premature infants
• breast milk
• mental health
• hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy