Quality Improvement Project - Evaluation of Current Standard of Care for Feeding Practices in the NICU

Launched by BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · Sep 16, 2010

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the feeding practices for very low birth weight infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Researchers are particularly interested in the use of donor human milk, which can be a helpful alternative for mothers who cannot provide breast milk. While donor milk has many benefits, there have been some reports of health issues related to its use, such as imbalances in important minerals that can affect the baby’s health. The goal of the trial is to understand these potential problems better and ensure that infants receive safe, nutritious feeding options.

To participate in this trial, infants must be premature (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and weigh 1250 grams or less at birth. However, infants who weigh more than 1250 grams, are transferred from another hospital after 21 days, do not start feeding by 4 weeks old, or have serious birth defects cannot join the study. Families of eligible infants can expect to provide information about their baby’s feeding and health, and they will receive support to help monitor any potential health concerns related to feeding practices. This trial aims to improve care for vulnerable infants and ensure they receive the best nutrition possible.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Premature infants (\<37 weeks gestation) with a birth weight less than or equal to 1250 grams.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Infants with a birth weight greater than 1250 grams
• • Infants transferred from an outside hospital to TCH at greater than 21 days of age
• • Infants who do not achieve any enteral feeds by 4 weeks of age
• • Infants with major congenital anomalies