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Artificial sweetener reduces nociceptive reaction in term newborn infants.

BACKGROUND: Sucrose has been shown to have an analgesic effect in preterm and term neonates. Sucrose, however, has a high osmolarity and may have deleterious effects in infants with fructose intolerance. Furthermore, it may favour caries. We therefore investigated the effects of a commercially available artificial sweetener (10 parts cyclamate and 1 part saccharin), glycine (sweet amino acid) or breast milk in reducing reaction to pain as compared with a placebo. SUBJECTS: Eighty healthy term infants, four days old, with normal birth weight. INTERVENTIONS: The infants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 2 ml sweetener, glycine, expressed breast milk or water were given 2 min before a heel prick for the Guthrie test. The procedure was filmed with a video camera and analysed by two observers who did not know which medication the infant had received. RESULTS: Using a multivariate regression analysis, the following variables had significant correlation with relative crying time and recovery time: behavioural state before the intervention, the pricking nurse, and the type of medication. Relative crying time and recovery time were significantly less in the sweetener group but not in the glycine and the breast milk group. CONCLUSIONS: The artificial sweetener used in our study reduces pain reaction to a heel prick in term neonates, and thus provides an alternative to sucrose. In contrast, glycine tends to increase pain reaction whereas breast milk has no effect.

Analgesics↗

Validation of performance of the gen-probe human immunodeficiency virus type 1 viral load assay with genital swabs and breast milk samples.

Human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) continues to spread at an alarming rate. The virus may be transmitted through blood, genital secretions, and breast milk, and higher levels of systemic virus in the index case, as measured by plasma RNA viral load, have been shown to correlate with increased risk of transmitting HIV-1 both vertically and sexually. Less is known about the correlation between transmission and HIV-1 levels in breast milk or genital secretions, in part because reliable quantitative assays to detect HIV-1 in these fluids are not available. Here we show that the Gen-Probe HIV-1 viral load assay can be used to accurately quantify viral load in expressed breast milk and in cervical and vaginal samples collected on swabs. Virus could be quantified from breast milk and swab samples spiked with known amounts of virus, including HIV-1 subtypes A, C, and D. As few as 10 copies of HIV-1 RNA could be detected above background threshold levels in > or =77% of assays performed with spiked breast milk supernatants and mock swabs. In genital swab samples from HIV-1-infected women, similar levels of HIV-1 RNA were consistently detected in duplicate swabs taken from the same woman on the same clinic visit, suggesting that the RNA values from a single swab sample can be used to measure genital viral load.

Cervix Uteri↗

Bone mineralization and turnover in preterm infants at 8-12 years of age: the effect of early diet.

Our previous studies raised two hypotheses: first that suboptimal early nutrition and second that human milk have enhancing effects on long-term bone mineralization. To test these hypotheses experimentally, we measured whole body and regional bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD), using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and single-photon absorptiometry, and bone turnover at 8-12 years in 244 preterm children (128 boys) who participated in a prospective randomized study of diet during the neonatal period. Dietary randomizations studied were: banked human milk (BBM, n = 87) versus preterm formula (PTF, n = 96) as the sole diet or as a supplement to mother's expressed breast milk (EBM); PTF (n = 25) versus term formula (TF, n = 36) as sole diet. Ninety-five term children of the same age were also studied. First, preterm children were shorter and lighter than term children (height SD scores -0.49 (1.1) vs. +0.22 (0.9), weight SD scores -0.41 (1.2) vs. +0.38 (1.0)) and had significantly lower whole-body BMC than their peers; decrements were also evident at some regional sites. These differences disappeared after adjusting for bone area, body size, and pubertal status. Second, children previously randomized to BBM versus PTF or TF versus PTF showed no significant differences in anthropometry, BMC, BMD, or osteocalcin (OC). Third, there was no independent effect of the proportion of EBM on BMC, BMD, or OC and no interaction between randomized diet and the amount of EBM received. Fourth, plasma OC was significantly higher in preterm children than in term children (12.4 vs. 11.0 ng/ml, p < 0.005) and in preterm children who had received a low-nutrient (BBM/TF) as opposed to a high-nutrient diet (PTF) during the neonatal period (12. 9 vs. 11.9 ng/ml, p = 0.03). In conclusion, preterm children are shorter, lighter, and have lower bone mass than their peers at age 8-12 years. The lower BMC is, however, appropriate for the bone and body size achieved. Despite large differences in early mineral intake, early diet does not affect bone mass in preterm children, and fresh human milk has no specific effect. However, poor nutrition during the neonatal period may result in higher bone formation rates during childhood.

Biomarkers↗

Breast milk collection and storage practices among mothers of hospitalized neonates.

Data about breast milk expression, collection, and storage practices were obtained by questionnaires from 51 mothers of hospitalized neonates in the San Francisco Bay Area between September 1, 1984 and July 1, 1985. In addition, teaching sources, mothers' recall of breast-feeding information, and areas of concern as described by mothers were identified. The majority of mothers collected breast milk in plastic containers: however, over 50 per cent stored frozen milk in glass--this is considered a less than optimal choice for storage. Over 50 per cent of the mothers identified the need for additional information about breast-feeding upon returning home from the hospital, particularly in relation to pumping and storage techniques. Although 88 per cent of the mothers reported having received information on breast-feeding from ICN nurses, 47 per cent were not provided with written take-home instructions. Eighteen mothers considered discontinuing breast milk collection citing insufficient milk supplies and time requirements cited as common reasons.

Breast Feeding↗

Growth and biochemical response of premature infants fed pooled preterm milk or special formula.

This study compared growth of a group of very low birth weight infants fed a formula specifically developed for such infants (Formula) with another group fed expressed breast milk (EBM). The Formula contained 2.4 g/dl of protein (lactalbumin:casein ratio, 60:40); 4.1 g/dl of fat (40% medium-chain triglycerides); 8.8 g/dl of carbohydrates; and 81 kcal/dl, with more calcium, phosphorus, and electrolytes than are in human milk. Premature babies with birth weights between 1,200 and 1,500 g and gestational age less than 36 weeks were eligible for the study and were fed either pooled EBM or Formula until they reached a weight of 1,800 g. Twenty infants fed EBM and 19 infants fed Formula completed the trial. Weight gain was faster in the Formula-fed infants after a caloric intake of 100 kcal/kg/day was achieved (Formula 27.7 g/day vs. EBM 17.2 g/day; p less than 0.001). Time to reach 1,800 g was 27 days for the Formula group and 39 days for those on EBM (p less than 0.001). Increments in head circumference and skinfold thickness were also greater in the Formula-fed group. Laboratory studies in the two groups of infants showed higher alkaline phosphatase levels, which were not due to vitamin D deficiency, in the EBM-fed infants.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA and p24 antigen in breast milk of HIV-1-infected Ugandan women and vertical transmission.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between the detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in breast milk, the duration of breastfeeding, and vertical transmission of HIV-1 infection in Ugandan women. METHODS: A prospective study of HIV-1 infection in pregnant Ugandan women and their infants has been ongoing since 1990 with follow-up of mother-infant pairs for at least 2 years. Expressed breast milk specimens were collected from 201 HIV-1-seropositive and 86 HIV-1-seronegative Ugandan women approximately 6 weeks after delivery. The presence of HIV-1 DNA in the cellular fraction of the breast milk was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and HIV-1 p24 antigen was detected in the cell-free breast milk supernatant using p24 antigen enzyme immunoassay (EIA) after immune complex dissociation (ICD). The duration of breastfeeding and the clinical status of the mothers and their children were recorded. HIV-1 EIA, Western blot, PCR, or p24 antigen detection were used for the determination of the HIV-1 infection status of the children. RESULTS: Of the 201 HIV-1-infected women studied, 47 had HIV-1-infected children, 143 had children who seroreverted, and 11 had children of indeterminate status. Breast milk supernatants were available for ICD p24 antigen testing from 188 of the HIV-1-infected women and none had detectable p24 antigen. Breast milk cell pellets were available and contained amplifiable DNA in 125 of the HIV-1-infected women (20 transmitters, 104 nontransmitters, 1 indeterminate). HIV-1 DNA was detected by PCR in 72% (75/104) of nontransmitters and 80% (16/20) of the transmitters. The duration of breastfeeding by transmitter mothers (15.8 months) was not significantly different from nontransmitter mothers (14.4 months). CONCLUSIONS: No correlation was found between the detection of HIV-1 in breast milk or the duration of breastfeeding and transmission of HIV-1 infection in this study of Ugandan women.

Breast Feeding↗

Formula milk versus preterm human milk for feeding preterm or low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: Preterm human breast milk, compared with artificial formula milk, may provide insufficient nutrition for preterm or low birth weight infants. However, human milk may confer advantages in terms of a decreased incidence of gastrointestinal and neurodevelopmental adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To determine if formula milk compared with preterm human milk leads to improved growth and development without significant adverse effects in preterm or low birth weight infants. SEARCH STRATEGY: The standard search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group was used. This included electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE and previous reviews including cross references. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing feeding with formula milk versus preterm human milk in preterm or low birth weight infants. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted using the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group, with separate evaluation of trial quality and data extraction by each author and synthesis of data using relative risk and mean difference. MAIN RESULTS: Only one small trial fulfilled the pre-specified inclusion criteria (Gross 1983). In preterm and low birth weight infants, enteral feeding with protein-enriched standard calorie formula milk compared with unfortified donated preterm human milk resulted in a greater rate of short term weight gain, but not of increase in length or head circumference. In the group randomised to receive formula milk, there was an increase in the risk of feed intolerance of borderline statistical significance, but no evidence of an effect on necrotising enterocolitis. There are no data on long term growth parameters or on neurodevelopmental outcomes. There are no randomised comparisons of feeding with the preterm milk of the infant's mother versus formula milk. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There are very limited data from randomised trials of feeding preterm or low birth weight infants with formula milk compared with preterm human milk. This may relate to a perceived difficulty of allocating an alternative enteral feed to an infant in cases where the infant's mother wishes to feed with expressed breast milk.

Enteral Nutrition↗

A new breast milk supplement for preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a new formula (Prenan), which contains n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA) on the fatty acid profile of preterm infants. METHODOLOGY: Plasma fatty acids were measured in 61 preterm infants at term by gas liquid chromatography. In 20 of these infants, paired samples were collected and changes in fatty acids with time 22 analysed. RESULTS: Plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were higher in those who had been fed expressed breast milk (EBM) +/-/or Prenan compared with those fed standard formula +/- EBM, P < 0.05. The plasma arachidonic acid (AA) levels of infants fed Prenan were not different to those fed EBM, both groups achieving higher levels than infants fed standard formula, P < 0.05. Further, paired analysis demonstrated that DHA levels increased in infants changed from standard formula to Prenan to levels equal or higher than those of fully breast-fed infants (P < 0.01), whereas DHA levels remained unchanged with time in all other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The fatty acid composition of Prenan enables preterm infants fed formula to have plasma DHA and AA levels similar to those of infants fed breast milk and consequently different to those of infants fed standard formula. Prenan is an appropriate supplement to breast milk for preterm infants in that it provides LC PUFA as well as additional phosphorus and protein without exposing the infant to intact cows milk protein.

Breast Feeding↗

A randomized, controlled evaluation of two commercially available human breast milk fortifiers in healthy preterm neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the added nutritional value of the two commercially available human breast milk fortifiers: Similac Natural Care (NC) and Enfamil Powder (EP). DESIGN: A randomized controlled evaluation in healthy preterm neonates. SETTING: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. SUBJECTS: Healthy preterm infants admitted to and cared for in the aforementioned neonatal intensive care units. INTERVENTIONS: Healthy preterm neonates who were receiving expressed breast milk from their own mothers were supplemented with human milk fortifiers (NC and EP) per manufacturer's recommendations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gestational age and birth weight, gender, and race. At entry to and exit from the study, serum concentrations of albumin, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase. The age at which the supplements were added and the number of days the infant remained in the hospital. Daily weight gain, head circumference, length, and height were also measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Student's t test was used to test the differences between the groups and within the groups at entry to and exit from the study. Fisher's exact test was used to determine differences in race, size, and gestational age in each group. When necessary, a chi 2 test was used to analyze the preponderance of either sex in each group. A Wilcoxon rank test was applied to the true exit date to determine whether the bias was comparable in each group. RESULTS: The mean (+/- standard error) gestational age and birth weight were similar in both groups: 30 +/- 0.3 weeks and 1,314 +/- 40 g, respectively, for NC vs 29.6 +/- 0.35 weeks and 1,262 +/- 45 g, respectively, for EP. At entry to the study, values for the NC group (N = 29) were albumin 31 +/- 1.2 g/L, serum protein 48 +/- 1.4 g/L, calcium 2.4 +/- 0.03 mmol/L, phosphorus 1.85 +/- 0.08 mmol/L, alkaline phosphatase 347 +/- 27 IU/L. The values for the EP group (N = 30) were albumin 32 +/- 0.9 g/L, serum protein 49 +/- 1.4 g/L, calcium 2.4 +/- 0.4 mmol/L, phosphorus 1.9 +/- 0.1 mmol/L, alkaline phosphatase 420 +/- 34 IU/L. At the study exit, the values for the NC group were albumin 30 +/- 0.7 g/L, serum protein 45 +/- 0.9 g/L, calcium 2.4 +/- 0.3 mmol/L, phosphorus 1.96 +/- 0.07 mmol/L, and alkaline phosphatase 371 +/- 23 IU/L. The values for the EP group were albumin 32 +/- 1.0 g/L, serum protein 46.0 +/- 1.4 g/L, calcium 2.5 +/- 0.03 mmol/L, serum phosphorus 2.2 +/- 0.1, and alkaline phosphatase 367 +/- 27 IU/L. No significant differences were observed between groups at entry to and exit from the study. However, in the EP group the alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly (P = .02) from entry to exit and calcium increased significantly during the same period compared with the NC group (P = .003). The mean daily weight gain was 33 +/- 0.7 g for the NC group and 31 +/- 1 g for the EP group. The weekly gain in head circumference and body length were also similar in both groups: approximately 1 cm/week. Both groups tolerated the fortifiers well. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that both products provide the additional nutritional support necessary for optimal overall postnatal growth in healthy preterm infants. The differences in calcium and alkaline phosphatase may be due to the differences in vitamin D content in fortifiers 88 IU/100 mL in mixed NC vs 270 IU/100 mL in mixed EP. This observation calls for careful monitoring of calcium and alkaline phosphatase values and possible adjustments of vitamin D intake when fortifiers are used for extended periods.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Metoclopramide effect on breastfeeding the preterm infant: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of metoclopramide on breast milk volume and duration of breastfeeding in women delivering preterm. METHODS: Women who planned to breastfeed and delivered between 23 and 34 weeks of gestation were eligible to participate in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Women were randomized to receive 10 mg of metoclopramide or placebo 3 times a day for 10 days, starting within 96 hours of birth. Breastfeeding education was standardized for all women. Mothers recorded the volume of breast milk expressed at each pumping for 17 days. Duration of breastfeeding was measured by monthly follow-up phone calls to each subject. RESULTS: Sixty-nine women were enrolled and 57 (82%) women completed the study: 28 in the metoclopramide group and 29 in the placebo group. The 2 groups were similar in age, education, ethnicity, gestational age, and marital status. There was no significant difference between breast milk volumes in the metoclopramide and placebo groups at each of the 17 days of the study (P = .26 to .98; test for mean metoclopramide effect P = .80). There was no significant difference between groups in duration of breastfeeding, with a median of 8.8 weeks, an interquartile range of 3.4 to 12.0 weeks for the metoclopramide group and a median of 8.6 weeks, and an interquartile range of 5.6 to 16.9 weeks for the placebo group (P = .09). CONCLUSION: Metoclopramide did not improve breast milk volume or duration of breastfeeding in this population of women. Regardless of therapy received, breastfeeding duration in this study of preterm mothers was poor. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Adult↗

Maternal breast milk long-chain n-3 fatty acids are associated with increased risk of atopy in breastfed infants.

BACKGROUND: Australia has one of the highest prevalence rates internationally of allergic conditions, such as asthma and eczema. Atopy is one hallmark for the development of allergic disease and predisposes to allergic inflammation in the target organs. omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FAs) are thought to act as precursors to the formation of less active inflammatory mediators, with the potential to reduce inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether increased n-3 FA levels in maternal breast milk are associated with a lower risk of developing atopy in infancy. METHODS: Subjects were part of the prospective Melbourne atopy cohort study, which involved 620 children born into families where at least one first-degree relative had an atopic disease. Some 224 women (mean age 31.4+/-4.2 (SD) years, with 73.2% (n=164) having self-reported atopy) provided either a colostrum (n=194) or 3-month expressed breast milk (EBM) sample (n=118). Maternal colostrum and 3-month EBM samples were analysed for FA content by gas chromatography. Skin prick tests (SPTs) to six common allergens were performed on infants at 6, 12 and 24 months of age and on mothers who agreed at study entry. RESULTS: For infants sensitized to foods at 6 months (n=29), the total n-3 FA level in the colostrum was significantly higher (P=0.004) as were levels of individual long-chain n-3 FAs, docosoapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5, P=0.001) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, P=0.002) than in non-sensitized infants. Infants with aero-allergen sensitization at 24 months (n=30) had higher levels of the n-3 FA, DPA (P=0.002) and DHA (P=0.007), and similarly higher total n-3 FA (P=0.009) in maternal colostrum than those infants who were not sensitized. CONCLUSION: Higher n-3 FA levels in the colostrum do not appear to confer protection against, but may be a risk factor for, the eventual development of atopy in high-risk breastfed infants.

Adult↗

Relation between weak HLA-DR expression on human breast milk macrophages and cow milk allergy (CMA) in suckling infants.

The precise role of breast milk leukocytes is unknown. We therefore studied the cellular composition of breast milk and the activation of breast milk macrophages in mothers with a cow milk-allergic infant and in those with a healthy infant. Further, we sought to determine the influence of the cellular composition of mother's milk on the infant's risk of developing cow milk allergy. Thirty-six asymptomatic mothers (26 with atopic constitution) whose babies had challenge-proven cow milk allergy and 24 asymptomatic mothers (17 with atopic constitution) with healthy infants were recruited. Geometric mean ages of the infants were 3.2 mo (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3 to 4.4) and 2.4 mo (95% CI, 1.6 to 3.7), respectively. After separation of the fat layer, breast milk cells were incubated with fluorescein-labeled MAb to CD antigens (CD14, 45, 3, 4, 8, 19, 23, and HLA-DR) and analyzed by flow cytometry. Breast milk samples, collected with a breast pump, were processed immediately. Cytospin preparations of milk samples, made after separation of the fat layer, were stained with May-Grunwald-Giemsa and examined with a light microscope. HLA-DR expression on breast milk macrophages was significantly lower in the mothers whose infant was allergic to cow milk, 58.3% (95% CI, 44.9 to 75.6), than in the mothers of a healthy infant, 86.9% (95% CI, 78.7 to 96.1), p=0.012 (ANOVA). There was also a significant difference in the total number of breast milk leukocytes between the mothers with an allergic child, 0.17 x 10(6)/mL (95% CI, 0.12 to 0.25), and those with a healthy child, 0.08 x 10(6)/mL (95% CI, 0.05 to 0.14), p=0.019 (Mann-Whitney U test). These results suggest impaired function of breast milk macrophages in mothers whose infants had cow milk allergy. They may also reflect decreased antigen presentation to the inexperienced T cells in the gut or on other mucosal surfaces of the suckling infant, leading to subsequent development of food or respiratory allergies, e.g. asthma.

Analysis of Variance↗

Human milk and preterm formula compared for effects on growth and metabolism.

Metabolic tolerance to a 'premature formula' feed was studied in a group of small immature infants, mean (SD) gestation 27.8 (1.4) weeks. Ten infants weighing 880-1295 g at the time of the study were fed on SMA low birthweight formula for a mean (SD) of 23.5 (5.5) days and were compared with 10 who were fed on expressed breast milk for 25.8 (6.1) days. The infants were well matched for weight, gestation, and postnatal age at the time of the study and were receiving full enteral feeds. They were investigated by balance techniques and plasma sampling on at least two occasions. Ten larger infants weighing 1330-1740 g and being fed on the same formula feed were also studied as an additional control group. Formula fed infants retained more nitrogen and gained weight faster. Plasma phosphorus concentrations were higher in the group fed on the formula feed, and alkaline phosphatase activity was lower. There were no significant differences in plasma concentrations of urea, electrolytes, or albumin or in acid base status. Taurine and arginine concentrations were higher in the group being breast fed, but there were no other significant differences in plasma amino acids, and no toxic concentrations occurred after either feed. The results of this study show that this formula (and presumably other feeds of similar composition) seem to be metabolically safe for the smallest infants.

Anthropometry↗

Breast milk and infection.

Three viruses (CMV, HIV, and HTLV-I) frequently cause infection or disease as a result of breast-milk transmission. Reasonable guidelines have been pro-posed for when and how to avoid breast milk in the case of maternal infection. For other viruses, prophylactic immune therapy to protect the infant against all modes of transmission are indicated (VZV, varicella-zoster immunoglobulin, HAV and immunoglobulin, HBV, and HBIg + HBV vaccine). In most maternal viral infections, breast milk is not an important mode of transmission, and continuation of breastfeeding is in the best interest of the infant and mother (see Tables 2 and 3). Maternal bacterial infections rarely are complicated by transmission of infection to their infants through breast milk. In a few situations, temporary cessation of breastfeeding or the avoidance of breast milk is appropriate for a limited time (24 hours for N gonorrheae, H infiuenzae, Group B streptococci, and staphylococci and longer for others including B burgdorferi, T pallidum, and M tuberculosis). In certain situations, prophylactic or empiric therapy may be advised for the infant (eg, T pallidum, M tuberculosis, H influenzae) (see Table 1). Antimicrobial use by the mother should not be a reason not to breastfeed. Alternative regimens that are compatible with breastfeeding can be chosen to treat the mother effectively. In most cases of suspected infection in the breastfeeding mother, the delay in seeking medical care and making the diagnosis means the infant has been ex-posed already. Stopping breastfeeding at this time only deprives the infant of the nutritional and potential immunologic benefits. Breastfeeding or the use of expressed breast milk, even if temporarily suspended, should be encouraged and supported. Decisions about breast milk and infection should balance the potential risk compared with the innumerable benefits of breast milk.

Breast Feeding↗

Bacteriological quality of raw human milk: effect of storage in a refrigerator.

Eighty-seven breast milk samples were obtained from 63 mothers of infants on the neonatal intensive care unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. The samples were cultured for bacteria immediately after collection (0 h) and then stored in a domestic refrigerator from where cultures were repeated at 6-hourly intervals for 24 h. At 0 h, three (3.4%) of the samples were sterile; 56 (64%) grew coagulase negative staphylococci, and one (1.1%) Streptococcus viridans. Thus, 60 (69%) of the samples were either sterile or contained only skin commensals. Twenty-nine (31%) grew potential pathogens--coagulase positive staphylococci in two (2.3%) and mixed growth of staphylococci, coliforms and klebsiella in 25 (28.3%). During the 24 h storage in the refrigerator, bacteria multiplied in 50 and their growth was inhibited in 32 of the samples. But the mean bacterial count at any time during the 24 h was not significantly different from that at the beginning of the storage in the refrigerator. It is proposed that expressed breast milk stored in a domestic refrigerator can be given safely to infants within 24 h of collection if heavy contamination is prevented at the time of collection.

Bacteria↗

Neonatal rotavirus infection: role of lacteal neutralising alpha1-anti-trypsin and nonimmunoglobulin antiviral activity in protection.

Expressed breast milks (EBMs) were collected from mothers of rotavirus (RV)-excreting babies and from mothers whose babies were RV free during an outbreak of asymptomatic RV infection in a newborn nursery to determine the role of lacteal anti-RV neutralising activity, alpha1-anti-trypsin activity, and nonimmunoglobulin antiviral factor in protection of neonates from RV infection, and although all of the above factors were present in the majority of the EBMs, no correlation could be found between their presence in EBM and protection from RV infection. A significant rise in both neutralising activity and subgroup 2 antibodies, was demonstrated in the EBM of one mother who experienced a subgroup 2 RV-associated diarrhoea during lactation. However, the alpha1-anti-trypsin activity and the nonimmunoglobulin antiviral levels remained the same. The importance of these factors in passive immunity with reference to virus dose is discussed.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Studies on human lacteal rotavirus antibodies by immune electron microscopy.

In vitro studies carried out by immune electron microscopy (IEM) indicate that rotavirus aggregation detected in the stools of newborn breast-fed infants with rotavirus infection is antibody-induced. Aggregation of rotavirus particles occurred with the IgA-containing fraction of expressed breast milk (EBM) obtained five days postpartum and with the IgA- and IgG-containing fractions of a pool of EBMs containing samples collected 2-3 days postpartum. Bovine milk fractions also demonstrated this activity in the IgG- and IgA-containing fraction. Studies on unfractionated EBMs from a mother who experienced a rotavirus infection during the 43rd week of lactation showed that following rotavirus infection all three major classes of rotavirus-specific antibodies were present in breast milk, this being confirmed by enzyme immunoassay.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Breast feeding in organic acidaemias.

Breast feeding has been recommended for the dietary treatment of infants with organic acidaemias, but studies documenting clinical experience are still very few. Nine infants, diagnosed with methylmalonic acidaemia (n = 4), propionic acidaemia (n = 1), isovaleric acidaemia (n = 2) and glutaric acidaemia type I (n = 2) were breast fed after diagnosis. The age of the patients was 28.9+/- 13.4 months (mean +/- SD) (range 10-57 months). Eight patients were diagnosed with clinical symptoms and one because of an affected sibling. After the control of acute metabolic problems, an initial period with a measured volume of expressed breast milk was continued with on-demand breast feeding with the addition of a special essential amino acid mixture and energy supplements. Breast feeding was well tolerated in seven infants with good growth, metabolic control and neurological outcome. The duration of breast feeding was 12.3+/- 7.4 months (mean +/- SD) (range 4-24 months) in these patients. Breast feeding was terminated in the patient with propionic acidaemia because of two acute metabolic episodes requiring hospitalization, and could not be continued in one of the patients with isovaleric acidaemia owing to shortage of breast milk. A decrease in the frequency of infections, acute metabolic episodes and hospital admissions was observed in breast-fed infants. Breast feeding of infants with organic acidaemias is feasible with close monitoring of clinical parameters such as growth, development and biochemistry, including amino acids, organic acids and ammonia.

Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors↗