Identifying Official Government Websites

10 Questions

What was the main objective of the study mentioned in the text?

To assess the effect of human milk fortification on gut function in preterm infants

What was a limitation of the study mentioned in the text?

The number of samples of sufficient quantity for all analyses was limited

What did the study's results indicate about the use of different human milk fortifiers in preterm infants?

They lead to modest differences in markers of gastrointestinal status

What was observed about the mean values of each marker in both fortifier groups?

They were within the ranges observed in healthy term infants

What was suggested by the study's results regarding the faecal calprotectin threshold value for early detection of NEC?

It should be revised in light of the relatively high concentrations observed in the study

What can be inferred about the new fortifier used in the study?

It was safe and well tolerated by the cohort

What is a potential conflict of interest in the study?

The researchers had received funding from Nestlé Nutrition

What was the significance of the study's findings in relation to NEC?

The study suggested that the faecal calprotectin threshold value for early detection of NEC should be revised

What is the relevance of the study's findings to clinical practice?

The study's findings provide guidance on the use of human milk fortifiers in preterm infants

What is the significance of the study's comparison to the findings of Pergialiotis et al?

The study's findings are consistent with the findings of Pergialiotis et al

Study Notes

Human Milk Fortification and Preterm Infants

Federal government websites end in .gov or .mil, and the site is secure when the url starts with "https".
NLM provides access to scientific literature, and inclusion in an NLM database does not imply endorsement.

Study Overview

The study examined the influence of different human milk fortifiers on biomarkers of gastrointestinal immaturity and inflammation in preterm infants.
The study was a controlled, double-blind, randomised, parallel group study conducted in 11 metropolitan hospitals in France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
153 preterm infants were enrolled and randomised to receive either a new or control human milk fortifier.

Preterm Infants and Gut Maturity

Preterm infants have immature development at birth and are more likely to need specialised care.
Gut immaturity is a particular concern, as it has been associated with severe morbidities, including necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).
Human milk fortification is recommended for all infants born weighing less than 1800 g.

Faecal Biomarkers

Faecal biomarkers can be used to assess maturity of gastrointestinal function and inflammation.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a serum trypsin inhibitor that is highly resistant to intestinal proteolysis and is a classic marker for protein-losing enteropathies.
Faecal calprotectin reflects various pathological processes that occur in the mucosa of paediatric patients.
Faecal elastase-1 is a highly specific and sensitive test for determining gut functional maturity, specifically pancreatic exocrine function.

Study Results

The geometric mean concentration of faecal alpha-1 antitrypsin was slightly lower in the new fortifier group than in the control fortifier group after 21 days of full enteral feeding.
There was no significant difference in faecal calprotectin between the groups.
Faecal elastase-1 was lower in the new fortifier group than in the control fortifier group.
The mean values of each marker in both fortifier groups were within the ranges observed in healthy term infants.

Conclusion

The study suggests that different human milk fortifiers can lead to modest differences in markers of gastrointestinal status in clinically stable, preterm infants.
The results indicate that the faecal calprotectin threshold value for early detection of NEC should be revised.
The new fortifier was safe and well tolerated by the cohort.