Higher-density formula improves weight, height of infants with congenital heart defects

Infants with congenital heart defects (CHD) fed with a concentrated formula have increased weight gain and growth, as well as improved nutritional status following corrective surgery, reveals a study.

Researchers conducted a parallel randomized trial, in which 64 infants (6‒12 months) who underwent CHD corrective surgery received either a standard-density formula (SDF, 67 kcal/100 ml; n=32) or a higher-density formula (HDF, 90 kcal/100 ml; n=32) following discharge from the intensive care unit for 8 weeks. In addition, infants also received breast milk or complementary food. Finally, researchers assessed the participants’ anthropometry, biochemistry, and formula intake.

All infants achieved weight gain, with mean weight z scores at baseline and week 8 of ‒2.38 to ‒1.38 in the SDF group and ‒2.69 to ‒0.89 in the HDF group, respectively (between-group p=0.0001). Both arms also grew in length but showed a decline in length z score, which was significant in the SDF group but not in the HDF group.

Likewise, mid-upper arm circumference and its z score in both group, but the HDF arm showed more improvements. Serum albumin level was also higher in the HDF than the SDF group at week 8, but no significant between-group differences were seen in haemoglobin, serum ferritin, or iron.

No symptoms of gastrointestinal intolerance were reported. However, parents of four infants in the HDF group complained of constipation affecting their children.