Relation Between Milk Temperature and Feeding Tolerance in Premature Infants

Authors

El-Mashad GM, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine-Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt.
El Bastawesy N T M, Department of Pediatrics, Beyala Central Hospital, Kafr El-Shaikh, Ministry of Health, Egypt.Follow
El Sayed H M, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine-Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt

Subject Area

Pediatrics

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of milk temperature either at warm temperatures closer to freshly expressed breast milk versus at room temperature on feeding tolerance in premature infants.

Background:

Feeding intolerance (FI) is frequent among preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). It has several symptoms and is attributed to many factors including milk temperature.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study included 70 preterm neonates divided into 2 groups; group I included 35 preterm neonates fed with milk at 22– 24°C, closer to room temperature, group II: 35 preterm neonates fed with milk at 32– 34°C, closer to freshly expressed breast milk. All the included subjects underwent full history taking, examination, and laboratory investigations.

Results:

Apnea and anti-reflux treatment were statistically decreased in group II who were fed milk at body temperature (p= 0.01). While the difference regarding feeding tolerance between the two groups was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that the difference between the subgroups was also statistically insignificant (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

Feeding preterm infants milk at body temperature versus room temperature milk had significantly reduced episodes of apnea and anti-reflux treatment.

Recommended Citation

GM, El-Mashad; N T M, El Bastawesy; and H M, El Sayed (2023) "Relation Between Milk Temperature and Feeding Tolerance in Premature Infants," Menoufia Medical Journal: Vol. 36: Iss. 1, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59204/2314-6788.1006