Comparison of Recovery Time in Breast Feed and Formula Feed Neonates with Neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

Objective: To compare recovery time between breast feeding and formula feeding in neonatal sepsis.

Study Design: Randomized control trial

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the DHQ Teaching Hospital, DG Khan from February 2020 to January 2021 for a period of one year.

Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients was presented with neonatal sepsis were included in study. Patients were divided into two groups (A and B) by lottery method. Group A was fed with breast feeding during treatment and group B was fed with formula feeding. Mother education and recovery time were main variables of study. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Test of significant were applied and p value ≥0.05 was taken as significant.

Results: Thirty neonates were included in this study, both genders. The mean age, weight and height of breast feed neonates was 11.53±5.04 days, 432.41±26.37 gram and 0.85±0.56 cm, respectively. The mean recovery time of formula feed neonates was greater than the mean recovery time of breast feed, 12.19±3.95 days and 7.87±1.88 days, respectively. The difference was statistically significant, (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Exclusive breast feeding is associated with shorter duration of hospital stay/ recovery time as compare to formula feeding when given with recommended treatment protocol for neonatal sepsis.