Exploring the Benefits of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet at Neonatology 2024

Hot Topics in Neonatology 2024 Conference

The upcoming Hot Topics in Neonatology® 2024 conference, set to take place on December 10 in National Harbor, Maryland, promises to deliver groundbreaking insights into neonatal care. Notably, it will feature a significant symposium focused on the clinical impact and cost benefits of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet (EHMD) for critically ill and premature infants. This significant event is expected to draw over 1,000 experts in neonatology and perinatology, reinforcing its status as one of the premier neonatal conferences globally.

Dr. Jenny Fox's Contribution

Dr. Jenny Fox, a leading pediatrician from Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, is scheduled to present her findings and experiences regarding EHMD adoption. Her research emphasizes the transformative effects of Prolacta Bioscience's human milk-based nutritional products on patient outcomes. Dr. Fox will discuss two notable studies that shed light on the efficacy of these products:

1. Meta-Analysis Findings: A recent study published in Nutrients highlighted that preterm infants who received human milk-based nutritional fortifiers have a mortality rate reduction of up to 50%. This statistic underlines the critical role that human milk plays in ensuring the survival and health of vulnerable infants.

2. Cost Savings: Another peer-reviewed research paper co-authored by Dr. Fox, published in BMC Pediatrics, revealed that hospitals adopting EHMD could save between $500,000 to $3.4 million annually. This significant financial advantage highlights the dual benefit of enhancing patient health while also supporting hospital economics.

Dr. Fox expressed her determination to share her experiences and data, stating, "Having worked with extremely premature infants for the past decade, I've seen firsthand the positive effects of adopting human milk-based protocols. I am eager to share my insights with fellow clinicians to help improve the health and developmental outcomes for preterm infants."

Broader Implications for Neonatal Care

Melinda Elliott, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer at Prolacta, remarked on the growing adoption of EHMD practices across the United States. More than half of the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the country now incorporate Prolacta's human milk-based fortifiers and formulas for the care of infants born weighing less than 1,250 grams (approximately 2.75 pounds). This trend represents a significant advancement in neonatal care and underscores the importance of human milk in mitigating risks associated with critical conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Prolacta Bioscience is at the forefront of this movement, pioneering the use of 100% human milk-derived nutritional products for the most vulnerable patients. With over 100,000 extremely preterm infants having benefited from their offerings, Prolacta exemplifies commitment to enhancing health outcomes through human milk, supported by a robust portfolio of over 30 peer-reviewed clinical studies.

Conclusion

The upcoming symposium at the Hot Topics in Neonatology® 2024 promises to be an enlightening experience for medical professionals interested in the latest strategies and findings in neonatal care. By highlighting the compelling evidence supporting an Exclusive Human Milk Diet, the session aims to empower clinicians to make informed decisions that benefit both their patients and their institutions economically. As the understanding of human milk's vital role in infant nutrition deepens, the neonatal community continues to advocate for methods that improve the health outcomes of premature infants, ensuring they have the best possible start in life.

To learn more about Prolacta Bioscience and their contributions to neonatal nutrition, visit Prolacta's website.