Abstract:
Objective
To investigate the effect of extensively hydrolyzed protein formula on feeding of preterm infants with low birth weight.
Methods
From January 2014 to December 2015, 53 premature and low weight infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Department of Luohe Second People's Hospital were randomly divided into observation group(27 cases) and control group(26 cases).The observation group were given Nestle Ai Er Shu extensively hydrolyzed protein formula. The control group was given standard premature formula milk powder. Two groups of children first sucked the milk at each feeding, and the remained milk volume was fed by stomach tube .For the preterm infants with stable vital sign, preterm infants with mild asphyxia and premature infants with class Ⅰ-Ⅱ respiratory distress syndrome, milk feeding was started within 24 hours after birth. For the preterm infants with moderate or severe asphyxia or with class Ⅲ-Ⅳ respiratory distress syndrome，milk feeding was started 24 to 48 hours after birth. The amount of milk started with 15 mL/(kg·d), and was increased at the speed of 20 to 30 mL/(kg·d). Parenteral nutrition support was given in the course of feeding, and two weeks later, it was changed to standard formula milk for premature infants. The rate of feeding intolerance, time to regain birth weight(d), time of total intestinal feeding(d), physical development in the two weeks after birth, and the average daily weight gain rate(g/d) in two groups was observed. Weekly monitoring of blood sugar, blood potassium, sodium, calcium, urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and blood gas was performed to assess the occurrence of complications.
Results
The rate of feeding intolerance in observation group(11.1%,3/27) was lower than that in control group(38.5%,10/26). The time of birth weight recovery and total gastrointestinal feeding time were shorter in the observation group than in the control group. The weight gain of observation group was faster than that of control group. The difference was statistically significant. The body weight at 14d after birth was greater in the observation group, the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups(P>0.05).
Conclusion
Extensively hydrolyzed protein formula can reduce the incidence of feeding intolerance in premature infants, improve nutritional status of premature infants, so it can be used as an early milk replacement for preterm infants who are temporarily unable to get breast feeding.

Key words: Feeding intolerance, Extensively hydrolyzed protein, Formula milk for preterm infants, Enteral feeding, Preterm infants