In Canada, the leading cause of long-term disability in children is being born at very low birth weight (VLBW). To help improve outcomes, nutrition is a modifiable aspect of infant care. Mother's milk is the optimal way to feed VLBW infants; however, many need a supplement of donor milk or preterm formula as not enough mother's milk is available. As the ideal supplement for prolonged feeding and its long-term effects is currently unknown, this study is a prospective follow up of VLBW infants who in hospital were fed: donor milk or preterm formula and/or mother's milk. Areas of development to be assessed include: cognition, language, motor skills, brain structure/function, and body composition. A DNA biorepository will also be created.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
158
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Full-Scale IQ on the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-IV (WPPSI-IV)
Time frame: 5.5 years of age
Verbal IQ on the WPPSI-IV
Time frame: 5.5 years of age
Performance IQ on the WPPSI-IV
Time frame: 5.5 years of age
General Language Composite on the WPPSI-IV
Time frame: 5.5 years of age
Processing Speed Quotient on the WPPSI-IV
Time frame: 5.5 years of age
Growth
Growth as assessed using weight, height and waist circumference measurements.
Time frame: 5.5 years of age
Body Composition
Body composition as assessed using the COSMED BOD POD and skinfold thickness.
Time frame: 5.5 years of age
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