Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Prebiotic Enriched Infant Formula—A Randomized Controlled Trial

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of an infant formula supplemented with a mixture of prebiotic short and long chain inulin-type oligosaccharides on health outcomes, safety and tolerance, as well as on fecal microbiota composition during the first year of life. In a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study, n = 160 healthy term infants under 4 months of age were randomized to receive either an infant formula enriched with 0.8 g/dL of Orafti^®Synergy1 or an unsupplemented control formula until the age of 12 months. Growth, fever (>38 °C) and infections were regularly followed up by a pediatrician. Digestive symptoms, stool consistency as well as crying and sleeping patterns were recorded during one week each study month. Fecal microbiota and immunological biomarkers were determined from a subgroup of infants after 2, 6 and 12 months of life. The intention to treat (ITT) population consisted of n = 149 infants. Both formulae were well tolerated. Mean duration of infections was significantly lower in the prebiotic fed infants (p < 0.05). The prebiotic group showed higher Bifidobacterium counts at month 6 (p = 0.006), and higher proportions of Bifidobacterium in relation to total bacteria at month 2 and 6 (p = 0.042 and p = 0.013, respectively). Stools of infants receiving the prebiotic formula were softer (p < 0.05). Orafti^®Synergy1 tended to beneficially impact total daily amount of crying (p = 0.0594). Supplementation with inulin-type prebiotic oligosaccharides during the first year of life beneficially modulates the infant gut microbiota towards higher Bifidobacterium levels at the first 6 months of life, and is associated with reduced duration of infections.     

Human Milk Exosomal MicroRNA: Associations with Maternal Overweight/Obesity and Infant Body Composition at 1 Month of Life

Among all the body fluids, breast milk is one of the richest sources of microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs packaged within the milk exosomes are bioavailable to breastfeeding infants. The role of miRNAs in determining infant growth and the impact of maternal overweight/obesity on human milk (HM) miRNAs is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to examine the impact of maternal overweight/obesity on select miRNAs (miR-148a, miR-30b, miR-29a, miR-29b, miR-let-7a and miR-32) involved in adipogenesis and glucose metabolism and to examine the relationship of these miRNAs with measures of infant body composition in the first 6 months of life. Milk samples were collected from a cohort of 60 mothers (30 normal-weight [NW] and 30 overweight [OW]/obese [OB]) at 1-month and a subset of 48 of these at 3 months of lactation. Relative abundance of miRNA was determined using real-time PCR. The associations between the miRNAs of interest and infant weight and body composition at one, three, and six months were examined after adjusting for infant gestational age, birth weight, and sex. The abundance of miR-148a and miR-30b was lower by 30% and 42%, respectively, in the OW/OB group than in the NW group at 1 month. miR-148a was negatively associated with infant weight, fat mass, and fat free mass, while miR-30b was positively associated with infant weight, percent body fat, and fat mass at 1 month. Maternal obesity is negatively associated with the content of select miRNAs in human milk. An association of specific miRNAs with infant body composition was observed during the first month of life, suggesting a potential role in the infant’s adaptation to enteral nutrition.     

Postnatal Iron Supplementation with Ferrous Sulfate vs. Ferrous Bis-Glycinate Chelate: Effects on Iron Metabolism,Growth, and Central Nervous System Development in Sprague Dawley Rat Pups

Iron-fortified formulas and iron drops (both usually ferrous sulfate, FS) prevent early life iron deficiency, but may delay growth and adversely affect neurodevelopment by providing excess iron. We used a rat pup model to investigate iron status, growth, and development outcomes following daily iron supplementation (10 mg iron/kg body weight, representative of iron-fortified formula levels) with FS or an alternative, bioavailable form of iron, ferrous bis-glycinate chelate (FC). On postnatal day (PD) 2, sex-matched rat litters (n = 3 litters, 10 pups each) were randomly assigned to receive FS, FC, or vehicle control until PD 14. On PD 15, we evaluated systemic iron regulation and CNS mineral interactions and we interrogated iron loading outcomes in the hippocampus, in search of mechanisms by which iron may influence neurodevelopment. Body iron stores were elevated substantially in iron-supplemented pups. All pups gained weight normally, but brain size on PD 15 was dependent on iron source. This may have been associated with reduced hippocampal oxidative stress but was not associated with CNS mineral interactions, iron regulation, or myelination, as these were unchanged with iron supplementation. Additional studies are warranted to investigate iron form effects on neurodevelopment so that iron recommendations can be optimized for all infants.     

Update on Calcium and Phosphorus Requirements of Preterm Infants and Recommendations for Enteral Mineral Intake

Background: With current Ca and P recommendations for enteral nutrition, preterm infants, especially VLBW, fail to achieve a bone mineral content (BMC) equivalent to term infants. During the first 3 years, most notably in light at term equivalent age (<−2 Z score) VLBW infants’ BMC does not catch up. In adults born preterm with VLBW or SGA, lower adult bone mass, lower peak bone mass, and higher frequency of osteopenia/osteoporosis have been found, implying an increased risk for future bone fractures. The aim of the present narrative review was to provide recommendation for enteral mineral intake for improving bone mineral accretion. Methods: Current preterm infant mineral recommendations together with fetal and preterm infant physiology of mineral accretion were reviewed to provide recommendations for improving bone mineral accretion. Results: Current Ca and P recommendations systematically underestimate the needs, especially for Ca. Conclusion: Higher enteral fortifier/formula mineral content or individual supplementation is required. Higher general mineral intake (especially Ca) will most likely improve bone mineralization in preterm infants and possibly the long-term bone health. However, the nephrocalcinosis risk may increase in infants with high Ca absorption. Therefore, individual additional enteral Ca and/or P supplementations are recommended to improve current fortifier/formula mineral intake.     

Enhancing Behavior Change Skills in Health Extension Workers in Ethiopia: Evaluation of an Intervention to Improve Maternal and Infant Nutrition

Maternal and infant nutrition are problematic in areas of Ethiopia. Health extension workers (HEWs) work in Ethiopia’s primary health care system, increasing potential health service coverage, particularly for women and children, providing an opportunity for health improvement. Their roles include improving maternal and infant nutrition, disease prevention, and health education. Supporting HEWs’ practice with ‘non-clinical’ skills in behavior change and health communication can improve effectiveness. This intervention study adapted and delivered a UK-developed training intervention for Health Extension Workers (HEWs) working with the United Nations World Food Programme in Ethiopia. The intervention included communication and behavioral training adapted with local contextual information. Mixed methods evaluation focused on participants’ reaction to training, knowledge, behavior change, and skills use. Overall, 98 HEWs were trained. The intervention was positively received by HEWs. Pre-post evaluations of communication and behavior change skills found a positive impact on HEW skills, knowledge, and motivation to use skills (all p < 0.001) to change women’s nutritional behavior, also demonstrated in role-play scenarios. The study offered substantial learning about intervention delivery. Appropriate cultural adaptation and careful consideration of assessment of psychological constructs are crucial for future delivery.     

呼吸机持续气道正压通气联合枸橼酸咖啡因治疗早产儿呼吸暂停给药时间与临床疗效的关系

目的:观察呼吸机持续气道正压通气支持下的不同枸橼酸咖啡因给药时间对早产儿呼吸暂停(AOP)疗效的影响。方法:选取91例出生胎龄<32周的原发性呼吸暂停患儿,按照枸橼酸咖啡因给药时间的不同将患儿分为早期组(51例,出生24 h内在呼吸机持续气道正压通气下完成枸橼酸咖啡因给药)和常规组(40例,72 h内在呼吸机持续气道正压通气下给予枸橼酸咖啡因治疗)。比较两组患儿的呼吸机应用时间、给药时间、吸氧天数以及呼吸暂停改善情况,记录呼吸指标变化和不良反应发生情况。结果:早期组呼吸机使用时间、给药时间、吸氧天数、3 d后呼吸暂停次数及住院时间均明显低于常规组,差异有统计学意义(t=5.561,t=2.901,t=2.821,t=3.180,t=2.987;P<0.05)。经枸橼酸咖啡因治疗3 d后,两组患儿β-内啡肽水平及二氧化碳分压较治疗前均有显著降低,且早期组较常规组下降更为明显(t=0.408,t=3.294;P<0.05);氧分压及血氧饱和度均较治疗前有显著回升,早期组较常规组升高更显著(t=6.4758,t=2.121,t=2.409;P<0.05)。早期组的治疗有效率为86.2%(44/51),常规组为72.5%(29/40),两组比较差异具有统计学意义(Z=-2.149,P<0.05)。早期组不良反应事件发生率为13.7%(7/51),常规组为15.0%(6/40),两组比较差异无统计学意义。结论:呼吸机持续气道正压通气可以改善患儿呼吸功能,有助于患儿更好的渡过呼吸暂停危险期,早期给予枸橼酸咖啡因可促进患儿更快的恢复,显著缩短治疗时间,但不会增加不良事件的发生。     

婴儿期生长情况对青春期性发育的影响研究

目的 探讨婴儿期快速生长对青春期性发育的影响,对预防未来青春期提早发育提供依据。方法 选择2004年1月-2005年1月在温州市儿童医院及本院体检的198例生长过快的婴儿为观察组,另选择175名正常婴儿为对照组。根据出现月经初潮/遗精的时间点,把观察组分成性早熟组和正常发育组。采用Spearman相关性分析观察组婴儿1周岁的身高Δ值、体重Δ值与青春期性早熟的相关性。结果 观察组婴儿1周岁的身高Δ值、体重Δ值均显著大于对照组,差异有统计学意义(t＝2.085,2.146,P＜0.05);观察组儿童的身高、体重、体脂、骨龄值均显著大于对照组儿童,观察组儿童的T、E2、FSH、LH水平均显著高于对照组儿童,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。对照组无性早熟患儿。观察组、早熟组和正常组的男女比例对比,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。早熟组身高、体重、体脂、骨龄值均显著大于正常组,早熟组T、E2、FSH、LH水平均显著高于正常组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。观察组婴儿1周岁的身高Δ值、体重Δ值与青春期性早熟呈正相关(r=0.816,0.872,P<0.001)。结论 婴儿期快速生长可造成儿童青春期前肥胖和体脂过度,使青春期早发。控制婴儿期过快生长对预防未来青春期提早发育有重要意义。     

婴儿运动表现测试在昆明地区小婴儿中的应用研究

目的 通过使用婴儿运动表现测试(TIMP)对昆明地区168名婴儿进行测试,并与美国常模数据进行比较,分析影响得分的相关因素及临床应用价值,为TIMP的本土化提供一定的参考依据。 方法 对昆明地区168例足月儿及矫正胎龄 34~57⁺⁶ 周早产儿进行TIMP测试,并记录原始得分及婴儿一般情况。 结果 1)随着婴儿胎龄的增加,TIMP测试得分逐渐升高,且各组测试得分均明显低于同周龄组美国常模标准,差异有统计学意义(t＝-3.763、-4.181、-3.554、-3.423、-2.489、-3.463、-4.579、-2.612、-2.359、-3.249、-3.038、-4.248,P<0.05);2)足月儿的TIMP得分高于早产儿(t=2.615,P<0.05);出生体重≥2 500 g婴儿的TIMP得分高于出生体重在1 500~<2 500 g之间的婴儿(t=-2.593,P<0.05);测试时矫正年龄在<40周、40~44周、45~48周、49~52周、≥53周的各组婴儿间TIMP得分比较,差异有统计学意义(F=168.226,P<0.001)。3)出生时胎龄(足月或早产儿),以及进行TIMP测试时的矫正胎龄分组是TIMP得分的影响因素(β=0.164、0.743,P<0.05)。 结论 TIMP评估得分能反映不同矫正胎龄婴儿的运动表现能力,各组测试得分均明显低于同周龄组美国常模标准,因此需要建立中国常模提供本土化数据参考;并对早产儿及低出生体重儿给予早期评估和干预。     

婴儿饮食行为量表的编制与评价

目的 旨在编制一套具有高信效度的本土化婴儿饮食行为量表,以早期识别、预防婴儿饮食行为的发生。方法 对281名6~11月龄婴儿进行初始问卷调查。运用因子分析、区分度分析、Cronbach's α系数及Spearman相关分析筛选条目,形成试用问卷。对935名6~11月龄婴儿行试用问卷调查,筛选条目并形成正式量表。运用折半信度、重测信度、探索性因子分析和验证性因子分析等方法评价量表的信效度。结果 1)形成包含6个维度、33个条目的婴儿饮食行为量表,Cronbach's α系数为0.910,折半信度为0.927,重测信度为0.693,与各维度的相关系数为0.266~0.752。验证性因子分析示χ²/df=3.180,GFI=0.831,CFI=0.842,RFI=0.766,RMSEA=0.068。2)婴儿体格生长与出生体重、食物种类与进食能力、喂养人行为和食物响应相关(P<0.05)。父母文化水平和家庭收入对婴儿饮食行为影响显著(P<0.05)。结论 婴儿饮食行为量表具有良好的信效度,可客观反映6~11月龄婴儿的饮食行为问题,是我国本土化婴儿饮食行为评估的科学可信工具。     

北京地区0~3月龄婴儿超重与骨密度的关系

目的 研究0~3月龄超重婴儿骨密度的情况,为婴儿期骨骼发育保健工作提供指导。方法 纳入2019年1月-2020年1月于北京积水潭医院体检的1 052名0~3月龄婴儿进行研究。由于男女身长、体重、骨骼超声信号声速值(SOS)评估标准不同,所以分别对不同性别研究对象进行研究,按照2006年WHO《儿童发育标准》分为超重组和正常组,比较两组间骨密度差异。并对组内不同性别骨密度进行比较。结果 男性、女性超重组及正常组组间SOS水平差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);超重组内男女骨密度Z值水平及正常组内男女骨密度Z值水平差异亦均无统计学意义(t＝-1.23,-0.47,P>0.05)。结论 0~3月龄阶段,超重与骨密度尚未发现明显相关性,但尚缺少各种影响因素及年龄增长与骨密度之间关系的进一步研究,仍需更多的探索以对临床提供更好指导。