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Early oral colostrum administration in preterm infants

Journal of Perinatology volume 40, pages 284–287 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

Background

Early administration of colostrum may provide preterm infants with immune components. Previous studies illustrating the effects of oral colostrum (OC) have been confounded by the coincidence of enteral feedings.

Objective

To quantify OC absorption, as measured by urinary sIgA and lactoferrin, in preterm infants prior to enteral feedings.

Materials and methods

Colostrum was obtained from mothers delivering infants ≤32 weeks and ≤1500 g. sIgA and lactoferrin were measured in infant urine, and microflora in saliva and tracheal aspirates were characterized.

Results

Urinary sIgA and lactoferrin were significantly greater in infants receiving OC by syringe compared to swab (p < 0.002). Urinary sIgA correlated with the total number of doses in 72 h (R2 = 43%, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Administration of OC by syringe and higher cumulative dose are associated with increased absorption of sIgA and lactoferrin, and early dosing may contribute to a more diverse tracheal microbiome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Lilling Family Neonatal Research Lab, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New Hyde Park, Hempstead, NY, USA

    Diana Maffei, Mariana Brewer, Champa Codipilly, Barry Weinberger & Richard J. Schanler

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  1. Diana Maffei
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  2. Mariana Brewer
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  3. Champa Codipilly
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  4. Barry Weinberger
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  5. Richard J. Schanler
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Correspondence to Diana Maffei.

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Maffei, D., Brewer, M., Codipilly, C. et al. Early oral colostrum administration in preterm infants. J Perinatol 40, 284–287 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-019-0556-x

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