Limited Versus Extended Trophic Feeding (LET-FEED) Trial

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · Mar 18, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The LET-FEED Trial is a research study designed to see if starting feeding earlier (after 24 hours of birth) for very preterm infants can help reduce the risk of infections (specifically late-onset sepsis) compared to starting feeding later (after 72 hours). This study will involve infants born between 25 to 31 weeks of gestation who weigh less than 1500 grams. To be part of the trial, parents must provide consent within the first day and a half after their baby is born.

During the study, eligible infants will be randomly assigned to receive either limited feeding for one day or extended feeding for three days before moving on to regular feeding amounts. The babies will primarily receive their own mother's milk, or donor milk if necessary. Researchers will keep track of how these feeding schedules affect infection rates, hospital stays, and other health outcomes. This trial aims to find the safest way to feed very premature infants while ensuring their health and growth during their hospital stay.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • \<1500 gram birthweight
• • 25w0d-31w6d at birth
• • Consent to feed donor milk when parent's own milk is not available or of insufficient quantity
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • \<5th percentile for weight at birth (Fenton growth curve)
• • Parent or legal guardian unable to provide consent within 36 hours after birth
• • Congenital anomaly affecting decisions on enteral feedings (e.g. gastroschisis, omphalocele, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital heart disease, etc.)
• • Known genetic condition affecting growth, feeding, or mortality
• • Vasopressor use within first 24 hours after birth (not including hydrocortisone)
• • Considered terminally ill