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Eur J Pediatr Surg 2023; 33(05): 367-376
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1757360
Original Article

Feeding Practice, Nutrition, and Growth in Infants with Abdominal Wall Defects and Esophageal Atresia: A Retrospective Case–Control Study

Signe Sparre 
1   Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
2   Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
,
Gitte Zachariassen 
1   Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
2   Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
3   Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
,
Mark Bremholm Ellebæk 
4   Surgical Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark; University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
,
Steffen Husby 
1   Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
2   Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
,
Kristina Garne Holm 
1   Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
2   Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
3   Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
› Author Affiliations Funding This work was funded by Odense University Hospital. The funding source was not involved in either the study design; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the article for publication.
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Abstract

Introduction Infants born with abdominal wall defects and esophageal atresia (EA) are at risk of impaired growth. Little is known about the optimal nutritional strategy and its impact on growth for these infants. This study aims to explore nutrition, focusing on breastfeeding, and the presumed impact on infant growth during the first year of life.

Materials and Methods We performed a registry study. The participants comprised infants born with gastroschisis, omphalocele, or EA from 2009 to 2020. Breastfed healthy infants from the Odense Child Cohort served as the control group. Descriptive statistics were applied when presenting data on nutrition. Growth data were converted to weight z-scores at birth and at discharge, and estimated weight z-scores at 6 and 12 months were calculated. Univariate regression analysis was applied.

Results The study included 168 infants in the study group and 403 infants in the control group. Exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge were as follows: 55.7% (gastroschisis), 58.3% (omphalocele), 50.9% (EA), and 7.7% (long-gap EA). For the study group our data demonstrate no difference in growth at 1 year of age when comparing mother's milk to formula feeding. During the first year of life, infants in the study group showed slower growth compared with the control group. At 12 months of age, all infants had a mean weight z-score above –2.

Conclusion Breastfeeding in infants with abdominal wall defects and EA can be established without compromising growth. Mother's milk can be recommended for infants with abdominal wall defects and EA.

Keywords

congenital abdominal wall defect - esophageal atresia - breastfeeding - growth


Publication History

Received: 11 April 2022

Accepted: 23 August 2022

Article published online:
31 December 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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