Higher in-hospital proportion of breast milk intake improves brain functional connectivity and neurological assessment in preterm infants.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Preterm infants may face neurodevelopmental challenges linked to altered brain maturation processes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of in-hospital breast milk intake on brain resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) and neurological assessment at discharge in preterm infants.

Methods

We collected data on breast milk intake from 97 preterm infants, evaluated neurological outcomes using the Amiel-Tison Neurological Assessment (ATNAT), and assessed rs-FC via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Groups were stratified by breast milk intake proportion (cutoffs of >70% vs. ≤70%; cutoffs of >90% vs. ≤90%), and conducted logistic regression analysis to explore the relationship between rs-FC and neurological assessment.

Results

Preterm infa

SUBMITTER: Yang R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12040976 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature