Houston NICU Dramatically Reduces Preemie Disease with Human Milk

At St. Joseph Medical Center’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in downtown Houston, a significant transformation in nutrition practices has led to a remarkable decline in cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious gastrointestinal condition affecting premature infants. Following the introduction of a human milk-based fortifier, the unit has seen its NEC rate drop from as high as 11% to below 1% in 2023, offering hope to some of the city’s most vulnerable patients.

The transition to a human milk-based fortifier, developed in collaboration with Prolacta Bioscience, has been a game changer. According to NICU nurse manager Angela Hermes, this shift is not just a statistical improvement; it impacts the lives of families with infants in their care. “We can take care of 29 babies here in our NICU,” Hermes stated, emphasizing the critical nature of these changes.

Hospital leaders, including Chief Nursing Officer Vincent Gore, have credited the new fortifier for the dramatic decrease in NEC cases. Their proactive approach aims to prevent complications linked to prematurity rather than just responding after issues arise. The fortifier, made from pasteurized donor breast milk, enhances the nutritional intake of premature infants by providing essential calories, protein, and minerals while avoiding the cow-milk proteins commonly found in traditional fortifiers.

Research supports the benefits of human milk-based fortifiers, with multiple studies showing reductions in NEC rates and improved survival outcomes for preterm infants. A large multicenter cohort study published in peer-reviewed journals has documented these positive trends, highlighting the importance of exclusive human milk diets in NICUs.

NEC poses serious risks, particularly for premature and very low birth-weight infants, and can lead to severe complications such as bowel perforation, sepsis, and death. Reports indicate that mortality rates for the smallest infants with NEC can range from 30% to 50%. Systematic reviews have shown the overall mortality rate for NEC at around 25%, with significantly higher risks when surgical intervention is necessary.

Given these alarming statistics, NICUs have prioritized feeding protocols and donor milk programs as critical strategies to combat NEC. St. Joseph’s NICU, located at 1401 St. Joseph Parkway in Houston, remains committed to monitoring its outcomes and continuously refining its care practices as new data emerges.

Families with premature infants are encouraged to engage with their healthcare teams regarding nutrition plans, donor milk options, and the unit’s feeding protocols. For additional information about St. Joseph Medical Center and its services, interested parties can visit the hospital’s official website.

In summary, the shift to a human milk-based fortifier has not only improved health outcomes but also exemplifies a proactive approach to neonatal care that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the most fragile patients.