Evaluating feeding practices for very low birth weight infants in the NICU

Quality Improvement Project - Evaluation of Current Standard of Care for Feeding Practices With Donor Human Milk Products in the NICU

Observational Baylor College of Medicine · NCT01204983

This study looks at how very low birth weight infants in the NICU are fed donor human milk to see if it helps them grow well and stay healthy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages1 Day and up
SexAll
SponsorBaylor College of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT01204983 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project assesses the current nutritional management practices for very low birth weight infants receiving donor human milk in the NICU at Texas Children's Hospital. It involves collecting data on infants who weigh 1250 grams or less at birth, starting from their first enteral feeding. The study aims to monitor growth parameters and electrolyte levels to identify any potential nutritional issues associated with donor human milk. The project does not involve randomization or control groups, focusing instead on observational data collection throughout the infants' hospitalization.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this project are premature infants born at less than 37 weeks gestation with a birth weight of 1250 grams or less.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this project include those with a birth weight greater than 1250 grams or those with major congenital anomalies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this project could improve the nutritional management of very low birth weight infants, potentially reducing the risk of electrolyte imbalances and associated health complications.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is observational and specific to donor human milk, similar studies have shown the benefits of human milk in neonatal care, suggesting potential for positive outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Premature infants (\<37 weeks gestation) with a birth weight less than or equal to 1250 grams.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Infants with a birth weight greater than 1250 grams
* Infants transferred from an outside hospital to TCH at greater than 21 days of age
* Infants who do not achieve any enteral feeds by 4 weeks of age
* Infants with major congenital anomalies

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 Infant, Very Low Birth Weightvery low birth weight infantdonor human milk
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.