Human milk versus formula after gastroschisis repair: effects on time to full feeds and time to discharge

Objective:to determine if the choice of enteral feeds after gastroschisis repair relates to the time to achieve full feeds and time to discharge.study design:a retrospective study of infants with gastroschisis from 2000 to 2010 examined demographics, days at closure, days at initiation of feeds, days to full feeds, time to discharge and length of stay.result:ninety infants were identified, 22 received (human milk) hm exclusively, 15 were fed >50% hm, 16 were fed <50% hm and 26 were fed only cow milk-based formulas. infants fed exclusively hm had significantly shorter times to full enteral feedings (median 5 days versus 7 days, p=0.03). the time from initiation of feedings to hospital discharge, which accounts for initiation age, significantly favored the exclusively hm-fed infants (median 7 days versus 10 days, p=0.01).conclusion:exclusive hm feeding after gastroschisis repair decreases time to achieve full enteral feeds and time to discharge.