Human milk feeding protects very low-birth-weight infants from retinopathy of prematurity: a pre–post cohort analysis

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the effect of early human milk (HM) feeding on the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants.

Methods: Observational cohort research in a Level III neonatal intensive care unit. A total of 186 infants were enrolled in this pre–post cohort study (114 infants were included in the HM-fed group and 72 in the formula-fed group). ROP, type of feeding (early exclusive HM versus any formula), and potential confounding variables were measured. Differences between groups were explored.

Results: The clinical characteristics of the neonates did not differ between the two groups. By bivariate analysis, HM feeding was associated with 75% lower odds of Stage 2 or 3 ROP (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.091 to 0.705; p = 0.009) At multivariate logistic regression, type of milk feeding retained significance, exclusive HM being protective with p = 0.002.

Conclusions: This study found an association between early exposure to formula in VLBW infants and ROP. An initial HM diet, devoid of cow milk-containing products before achieving full enteral feeding, may help prevent ROP.

• Breastfeeding
• milk bank
• newborn infant
• retinopathy of prematurity

Acknowledgements

We thank the children and their parents who participated in the trial and made this study possible. We are grateful to the staff of the Neonatal Unit of the University Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau for excellent cooperation. We appreciate the skilled help of Toni Gayà and Gemma Valeta from Baleares and Barcelona Milk Banks. We thank Jonathan McFarland for editorial assistance.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declaration of interest.