The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of early human milk fortification versus delayed fortification on growth and feeding tolerance in premature infants.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
96
early initiation of human milk fortification on feeding tolerance
The Children's Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Multan
Multan Khurd, Punjab Province, Pakistan
weight gain
● ≥15-20 g/kg/day (or as per predefined growth standards for preterm infants).
Time frame: 2 to 3 months
● Linear growth & head circumference
* Increase in length ≥0.8-1.0 cm/week. * Head circumference growth ≥0.5-0.8 cm/week
Time frame: 2 to 3 months
● Successful enteral feeding advancement
* Achievement of full enteral feeds (≥150 mL/kg/day) without interruption. * No need for feed withholding or reduction due to intolerance
Time frame: 2 to 3 months
● Absence of intolerance signs
* Gastric residuals \<2-3 mL/kg per feed (non-bilious, non-bloody). * No emesis, abdominal distension, or NEC (Bell's stage ≥II).
Time frame: 2 to 3 months
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