Comparing early and selective fortification of human milk for extremely preterm infants

Early Routine vs. Selective Human Milk Fortification in Extremely Preterm Infants

Not applicable Interventional Crouse Hospital · NCT04284280

This study is testing whether adding a special fortifier to human milk helps extremely preterm infants grow better and reduces their risk of serious gut problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages0 Days to 6 Days
SexAll
SponsorCrouse Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Syracuse, New York)
Trial IDNCT04284280 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of fortifying an exclusive preterm human milk diet with a Human Milk Donor Fortifier on the health outcomes of extremely preterm infants born at or before 27 weeks of gestation. The research focuses on preventing poor growth and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious gastrointestinal condition affecting these vulnerable infants. By utilizing a standardized feeding protocol that emphasizes preterm human milk, the study aims to determine the optimal approach to fortification to enhance growth and reduce the incidence of NEC. The study is conducted in a NICU with a long history of successful human milk use and low NEC rates.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are extremely preterm infants with a gestational age of 27 weeks or less who are admitted to the NICU within the first week of life.

Not a fit: Patients with severe congenital anomalies such as chromosomal trisomy, congenital heart disease, or abdominal wall defects may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved growth and reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely preterm infants.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar approaches focusing on human milk and fortification strategies in preterm infants, indicating a promising avenue for further investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All extremely preterm infants with gestational age less or equal to 27 weeks who are admitted to the NICU prior to day of life seven and the first enteral feeding

Exclusion Criteria:

* Infants with severe congenital anomalies such as chromosomal trisomy, congenital heart disease, and abdominal wall defect

Where this trial is running

Syracuse, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Poor Growth in Extremely Preterm InfantsNecrotizing EnterocolitisPremature Human MilkPasteurized Premature Human MilkHuman Milk Donor FortifierNeurodevelopmental followup
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.