Comparison of the Results of Premature Babies Started Complementary Feeding in Adjusted or Chronologically in Their Sixth Month

The transition to complementary feeding in premature babies (37 weeks and over) is recommended by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Association (ESPHGAN) for 4-6 months. However, a full consensus on the transition time to complementary feeding has not been achieved for premature babies. It is controversial whether premature babies (born 37th week of gestation) are corrected for complementary feeding in the sixth month or chronological sixth month. According to the known, there are no clinical studies investigating this topic in the literature.

Neurological-developmental evaluations and developmental outcomes-diagnoses of premature babies are evaluated according to corrected postnatal age. Based on the limited evidence available, it can be concluded that complementary feeding may be an appropriate age for most premature babies who have reached at least the third month, generally corrected. However, for premature babies born at different gestational weeks, these periods have a relatively different meaning. A more accurate timeframe can be found in terms of complementary nutrition by evaluating chronological age and motor development together. More prospective observational studies are needed in this regard in premature babies. In the literature, there are not enough studies on the transition time to the most appropriate complementary diet for premature babies. The investigators planned to do this prospective observational study.

In this study, patient groups will be randomly selected after appropriate matching. Premature babies participating in the study will be handled in three main groups (six subgroups in total).

Before the transition to complementary nutrition of the groups included in the study, breast milk and / or formula food, nutritional supplement (such as breast milk enhancer, protein supplement) intake will be recorded. The same polyvitamin preparation will be used for all premature babies. In accordance with the recommendation of the World Health Organization, 2 mg / kg / day standard oral iron prophylaxis will be started to all premature babies starting from the second chronological month. Immunization will be done in accordance with the national vaccination program.

The data will be added to the case report forms. In addition to routine follow-ups, families will be called on the phone monthly, information about their babies' nutrition will be asked, whether there is a problem, questions of families will be answered, and information about complementary nutrition will be provided. At the end of the study, all data will be collected and entered into the SPSS database, which will be created.