Objective: Fortification of human milk with either human milk-derived fortifier (HMDF) or cow’s milk-derived fortifier (CMDF) is important in preterm infants. Objective is to compare the incidence of hypoglycemia, and biochemical values in infants less than 1250g at birth fed HMDF versus CMDF.
Study design: Retrospective cohort study on infants less than 1250g at birth who were fed with HMDF or CMDF.
Results: Ninety infants were enrolled. HMDF group had a higher rate of hypoglycemia (46% vs.24%; p=0.048) after achievement of full enteral feeding. The median minimum blood glucose (BG) was lower (61 vs. 71; p=<0.01); while blood urea nitrogen (12 vs. 6; p=<0.01); and albumin (3.1 vs. 2.7; p=<0.01) were higher in HMDF group compared to CMDF.
Conclusions: At full enteral feedings in infants less than 1250g at birth, an HMDF diet may predispose to hypoglycemia needing intervention. Close monitoring of BG levels once off parenteral nutrition is recommended.