Abstract
Aim Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the leading cardiac issue in neonates which requires optimal nutrition for improved short and long-term outcomes. However, concerns exist about nutritional strategies and complications with enteral nutrition. Global literature varies in nutrition and fluid management. This study aims to investigate whether there is a correlation between the type and amount of enteral nutrition (breast milk and/or formula) and the persistence of the ductus arteriosus.
Material and Method This retrospective cohort study involved infants 32 weeks gestation or less. The total amounts of breast milk and formula received in the first 14 postnatal days were recorded in milliliters per kilogram. All parameters were compared for infants with and without PDA.
Results 115 preterm infants (<32 weeks) were examined. (Average gestational age 29.23±2.15 weeks, average birth weight 1263.76±409.82 grams.) Of the 115 cases, 28 (24%) had hemodynamically significant PDA. PDA was not observed in 77 (74%) of the infants receiving breast milk, while 27 (26%) of them showed PDA. PDA was not observed in 10 (90.9%) of the infants fed exclusively with formula, while 1 (9.1%) showed PDA. There was no significant relationship between the lack of breast milk in the first 14 days and the occurrence of PDA (p:0.217). Comparing infants with and without significant hemodynamic PDA in the first 14 postnatal days, those with PDA had significantly lower daily intake of breast milk and formula per kilogram (p<0.05). The average days to reach full enteral feeding in cases with PDA were significantly higher (21,22±9,05) compared to those without PDA (17.93±16.83).
Conclusions Higher amounts of feeding in the first 14 days of life is associated with the development of PDA and average days to reach full enteral feeding is significantly higher in cases with significant PDA. Feeding with breast milk or formula does not affect the development of PDA.
