Targeted fortification of donor breast milk for preterm infants

Targeted Fortification of Donor Breast Milk in Preterm Infants

Not applicable Interventional Columbia University · NCT04294368

This study is testing if customizing the nutrients in donor breast milk helps preterm infants grow better than using regular methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 21 Days
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT04294368 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares standard fortification of donor breast milk to targeted fortification in preterm infants. The goal is to determine if targeted fortification, which measures the nutritional content of donor milk before adding fortifiers, leads to better growth outcomes compared to standard methods. By utilizing advanced technology to analyze the milk's fat, protein, and carbohydrate levels, the study aims to customize the nutritional support provided to these vulnerable infants. The hypothesis is that infants receiving targeted fortification will show improved growth metrics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are premature infants born at or before 30 weeks gestational age with a birth weight of 1500 grams or less.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with significant congenital anomalies or other serious health conditions that could confound growth outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance growth and nutritional outcomes for preterm infants relying on donor breast milk.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeted fortification is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving nutritional outcomes in preterm infants.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Premature infants born \</= 30 weeks gestational age
* Birth Weight \</= 1500 grams

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parents do no consent to donor milk
* Confounders for poor growth such as congenital heart disease, GI diagnoses such as gastroschisis and omphalocele, and or major congenital anomalies
* Grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage diagnoses prior to randomization
* Small for gestational age (\<3% on Fenton Growth Curve)
* Failure to initiate fortified feeds prior to 3 weeks of life
* Diagnosis of necrotizing entercolitis prior to randomization
* Diagnosis of early onset sepsis confirmed with positive culture

Where this trial is running

New York, 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 PrematurityExtremeFailure to Thrive in NewbornGrowth RetardationGrowth FailureInfant Nutrition DisordersHuman Milk AnalyzerMiris
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.