Comparison of the short-term neonatal outcomes of preterm neonates before and after the launch of human milk bank in Iran: a retrospective descriptive study

Background Preterm delivery continues to be a major concern in the global health system. Where accessible, mother's milk is the optimal option for neonate nutrition. In recent years, donor milk as the best substitute for mother's milk where this is not available has become a popular option. The safest method to obtain this milk is from human milk banks. Thus, this study aims to compare the short-term outcomes of preterm neonates pre- and post-launch of human milk bank in Iran. Methods This is a retrospective descriptive study conducted over two time periods pre- and post-launch of the human milk bank at Shahid Akbar Abadi Hospital in Tehran. 580 neonates were included in the study during the pre-launch period from November 2018 to June 2019. In the post-launch period, 580 neonates were also included in the study from April 2021 to November 2021. Individual data were gathered using a maternal and neonatal form. Data on outcomes were collected in a neonatal outcomes form, including necrotizing enterocolitis, late onset sepsis, mortality, feeding intolerance, time of initiating supplementary nutrition, and discharge date. In all statistical tests, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The results showed that the NEC frequency in neonates pre- and post-launch period was not statistically significant (12 vs. 6, P = 0.11). Sepsis occurred in 90 cases of neonates pre-launch and the figure was diminished to 80 neonates post-launch. Sepsis (90 vs. 80, P = 0.02) and feeding intolerance (420 vs. 402, P = 0.01) were significantly different in post-launch period. The mortality rate was significantly reduced after the launch of human milk bank (P = 0.002, 44 vs. 18). The number of neonates who received supplementary nutrition earlier than 30 days was significantly higher post-launch period (420 vs. 460, P = 0.003). In addition, the number of neonates discharged from the hospital post-launch increased significantly (407 vs. 460, P = 0.001). Conclusions Comparing neonatal outcomes showed that sepsis, feeding intolerance, mortality, and the neonates achieving supplementary nutrition earlier than 30 days and being discharged were reduced in post-launch period. Considering the significant outcomes of launching a human milk bank, it is recommended to have milk banks in hospitals with neonatal intensive care units (NICU).