Fortified mother’s own and donor human milk and outcomes in preterms
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Fortified mother’s own and donor human milk on growth and health outcomes at discharge in preterm infants in Scotland
IRAS ID
225219
Contact name
Christine Edwards
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 17 days
Research summary
In Scotland, the percentages of preterm birth (< 37 completed weeks’ gestation) and low birth weight (< 2500 grams) are 7.3% and 6.2% respectively.
Preterm infants are immature and require medical support, therefore they are often hospitalised to receive intensive care at neonatal units. Preterm infants are at risk of deteriorating health conditions which start from early life and continue to childhood later. For example, during their stay at the neonatal intensive care unit, growth is often inadequate because of their increased nutrition needs. Also, they are at risk of developing severe infections & necrotising enterocolitis (death of intestinal tissues which may require surgical removal). In the long-term, preterm infants are more likely to develop neurodevelopmental delays, such as decreased cognitive function. Mode of feeding in early life influences these outcomes. Human milk (particularly mother’s own milk) improves overall health outcomes. Sometimes, mother’s own milk is not available for her baby. Therefore, donor human milk is often used as the best alternative.
The practice of using donor human milk varies throughout the UK and it is supplemented with extra energy and protein multinutrient fortifier to achieve better growth. However, the impact of this practice is not yet clear.
The main aim of this study is to describe current practice with regard to use of donor human milk in Scottish neonatal units, including the addition of multicomponent fortifier. In addition, we will explore associations between use of multicomponent fortifier and short term neonatal morbidities as well as the method of feeding at discharge.REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
17/NS/0052
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion