Peculiarities of physical growth and body composition of preterm infants, received different types of feeding, at the discharge from hospital

Abstract

Background: This article is devoted to a research and practice problem - optimization of feeding preterm infants. Patients and methods: 80 preterm infants of different GA with perinatal pathology were included in the study group. Anthropometric figures of weight and length z-scores and also BMI of preterm infants, received different types of feedings, at the discharge are presented. All patients' body composition (Fat free mass and Fat mass) was estimated by air plethysmography. Results: Less mass and length at the discharge in preterm infants, received breast feeding (including fortified milk), in comparison with the infants, received mixed and formula feeding, were found out. At the same time, preterm infants received breast feeding had more optimal body composition (less fat mass), than the infants received formula feeding. Conclusion: Personalised approach to human milk fortifiers prescription is explained. Important practical value of methodology for estimating body composition by air plethysmography is established.