In very low birth weight (\<1500g) preterm infants, nutrition with mother's own milk, as opposed to formula, is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality. At present, the merits and risks of pasteurising mother's own milk (recommended if the mother is positive for cytomegalovirus) are unknown. This single-institution retrospective analysis aims at comparing mortality and morbidity of preterm infants below 1500g birth weight who were fed raw (unpasteurized) or pasteurized mother's own milk (in case the mother is positive for cytomegalovirus). The infant's sex into is taken into account as a possible confounder.
Retrospective analysis of preterm infants below 1500g birth admitted 2019-2024 to the Department of Neonatology at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Infants with major congenital malformation, chromosomal aberrrations and known genetic conditions are excluded. Input variables are basic demographic data (gestational age, birth weight, sex, antenatal steroids, and others), duration of mother's own milk feeding, duration of donor milk feeding, cytomegalovirus status of the mother, pasteurization of mother's own milk (start and end date), main outcome variables are death, major surgery, necrotizing enterocolitis, duration of antibiotic treatment, duration of positive pressure ventilation, duration of oxygen supplementation, duration of hospital treatment.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
900
Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Neonatologie
Berlin, Germany
Severe Morbidity (NEC, Sepsis, BPD, ROP)
Necrotizing enterocolitis (requiring surgery), sepsis (blood culture-positive), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (requirement for oxygen supplementration at 36 weeks postmenstrual age), severe retinopathy (grade 3 or treatment with laser or intravitreal anti-VEGF agents)
Time frame: up to 24 weeks or discharge from hospital, whatever occurs first
Duration of parenteral nutrition, duration of positive pressure ventilation, duration of supplemental oxygen, duration of hospitalization
interval between date of birth and date of elective cessation of measure
Time frame: up to 24 weeks or discharge from hospital, whatever occurs first
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