Abstract
Objective:
The purpose of this study is to describe the processing of human milk to remove its fat content and its use in seven infants with chylothorax.
Study design:
The mother's milk was centrifuged at 3000 r.p.m. for 15 min at 2°C. After centrifugation, the milk separated into a solidified-fat top layer and a lower liquid portion. The fat-free liquid portion was then poured into collection cups and frozen for the patient's use at a later date. A sample of the mother's milk before and after processing was stored and analyzed for fat, sodium, potassium, calcium and zinc.
Results:
The mean fat removed was 5±1 g/dl (mean±s.d.), which was the same as the pre-fat content of the mother's milk. Seven infants with chylous pleural effusions used the fat-free human milk. All infants started on the fat-free milk after a month of age for an average of 16 days duration (7 to 34 days range). There was no reaccumulation of the chylous pleural effusions with the use of the fat-free mother's milk. Mother's milk electrolytes were similar before and after processing.
Conclusion:
Fat-free human milk may be an important additional dietary therapy for infants with chylothorax and may add the immunologic properties of human milk that other feedings cannot provide.
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Chan, G., Lechtenberg, E. The use of fat-free human milk in infants with chylous pleural effusion. J Perinatol 27, 434–436 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211768
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211768
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