Improved brain growth and microstructural development in breast milk-fed very low birth weight premature infants.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Breast milk feeding is linked to improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, though the mechanisms are not well understood. This study utilised quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) techniques to compare brain growth and white matter development in preterm infants receiving primarily breast milk versus formula feeds.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled infants born at very low birth weight (<1500 g) and <32 weeks gestational age and performed MRI at term-equivalent age. We utilised volumetric segmentation to calculate regional and total brain volumes and diffusion tensor imaging to evaluate white matter microstructural organisation. Daily nutritional data were extracted from the medical record.

Results

Nutritional and MRI d

SUBMITTER: Ottolini KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7347461 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature