Enteral Administration of Docosahexaenoic Acid to Prevent Retinopathy of Prematurity

Effect of Enteral Administration of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Development of the Retinopathy of Prematurity

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether docosahexaenoic acid given by enteral feeding prevent retinopathy of prematurity and/or diminish its severity in preterm infants.

Preterm neonates who start receiving enteral feeding will receive the intervention with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) since the first day and throughout 14 days, one dose per day.

The opthalmic evaluation will be done after 4-5 weeks after birth and followed until 42-45 corrected gestational age.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Birth weight < 1500 g
• Plan to feed by enteral way at a short term
• Written informed consent, signed by both parents.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Congenital malformations that avoid enteral feeding
• immunosuppressor diseases
• Need for major surgery
• Persistent bleeding at any level
• Mother taking n-3 supplements and planning to breastfed
• Parents who decline the authorization for participating in the study
• Early discharge to other hospital outside the metropolitan area