Early DHA and ARA Supplementation in Very Preterm Infants Born Small for Gestational Age to Improve Head Growth

What this Trial Is About

Growth-restricted very preterm infants, born with insufficient fat mass and low levels of docosahexaenoic acid DHA, often face further declines in DHA during the first three weeks after birth. This is due to feeding practices and lipid supplementation mainly through intravenous nutrition, which increase the risk of poor postnatal growth. Researchers are conducting a randomized clinical trial to see if giving DHA early through enteral supplementation can improve head growth without affecting fat mass in these infants. The study compares two groups of very preterm infants one receiving a DHAARA supplement added to expressed or donor human milk during the first three weeks after birth, and the other receiving human milk without this supplement. This intervention is given while infants are advancing enteral feeding. The trial is masked and randomized with parallel groups. Participants will be monitored from birth until 36 weeks postmenstrual age or discharge. Researchers will measure head circumference as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include fat mass for age and changes in serum metabolic profiles. The study will follow infants closely to assess growth and nutritional status during this critical period, with the total study duration covering the first 36 weeks postmenstrual age or until discharge.

Early DHA/ARA Supplementation in Growth-restricted Very Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial