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Subject Area

Pediatrics

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The study value of transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) measurement in infant's serum and mother's breast milk and its correlation with feeding intolerance (FI). Background The occurrence of FI remains a concern for care providers in the neonatal intensive care unit and may adversely affect preterm infants. In the intestine, TGF-β2 is involved in regulating inflammatory responses and establishing oral tolerance. The current study was designed to clear whether preterm infants are more susceptible to FI than term infants. Patients and methods A prospective, clinical study on 60 patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and nutritional unit of the pediatric department, 30 preterm and term infants with FI, matched in age and gender with the corresponding 30 healthy preterm and term infants. TGF-β2 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results TGF-β2 levels in breast milk had a significant negative correlation with gestational age (P < 0.001) and weight (P < 0.001). In preterm infants with FI, TGF-β2 levels in breast milk were significantly decreased in the colostrum (P < 0.001) and at the first week (P = 0.037) when compared with preterm infants without FI. There was a significant negative correlation between TGF-β2 levels in breast milk (P = 0.049) and also TGF-β2 levels in infant's serum (P < 0.001) with the occurrence of FI. Conclusion TGF-β2 levels in breast milk had a high significant negative correlation with gestational age and weight, so TGF-β2 levels in breast milk negatively correlate with infant maturity. TGF-β2 levels in breast milk may have a preventive role against FI and breastfeeding has an apparent benefit in reducing the incidence of FI.

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