570 EFFECTS OF VARIOUS VOLUMES OF POOLED HUMAN MILK (PHM) IN PRETERM INFANTS (PTI)

Abstract

PHM reduces metabolic cost during growth, although its nutritional sufficiency is debated. We report growth and metabolic comparisons amongst PTI (gest. age T₂=31-33, T₃=34-36 wks) fed 170 (group A), 185 (B) and 200 ml/kg/day (C) of PHM and compare results among groups and with breast-fed, full-term infants (FTI).

No consistent differences among A, B, & C were observed in measures of linear growth or head circ. PTI in B (T₂=104±12, T₃=116±4 g/kg/wk) and C (T₂=110±16, T₃=108±8) gained weight more rapidly than those in A (T₂=95±8, T₃=83±16).

Serum alb did not differ among A, B, & C but was lower in A, B & C than in FTI. After the first 2 weeks, mean pH in B & C approached that in FTI (7.39), whereas A remained signif lower (7.32-7.36). Base excess in A remained lower than in FTI; plasma bicarbonate was lower in A, B, & C than in FTI. BUN was lower in A than in FTI and intermediate and variable in B & C. Plasma amino acids fell into three groups: (1) A was lower than B, C or FTI (tau, met, cys, ser, gly, asp); (2) FTI was higher than A, B, or C which did not differ (glu, gluNH₂, ala, leu, ileu, val, tyr, phe); (3) no differences (thr and cit).

Thus, while PHM in PTI gives adequate growth without undue metabolic cost, 185-200 rather than 170 ml/kg/day may be required.

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