Table 2 Characteristics of included observational studies

Madore et al. [45]

2017

81

Retrospective case-control

BW < 1000 g

27.1 ± 1.9/

27.3 ± 2.1

Growth; neuro-development; incidence of NEC

Group MOM; Group DHM; Group PF

First month of life

65.5 ± 35.5/86.5 ± 46.6

Bovine fortifier added to MOM and DHM.

According to established criteria, DHM and PF groups were included. Gestational week refers to the two groups included.

Hair et al. [41]

2016

1587

Retrospective cohort

BW < 1250 g

26.5 ± 2.5/

26.4 ± 2.3

Incidence of NEC; mortality

MOM+ DHM + DHM-based fortifier;

MOM+ PF + bovine fortifier

32–34 corrected GA, or 60 days of life.

92.4 ± 54.5/94.7 ± 62.1

DHM-based fortifier added to DHM group. Bovine fortifier added to PF group.

Ginovart et al. [40]

2016

186

Retrospective cohort

BW < 1500 g

29.1 ± 2.9/

29.6 ± 2.9

Retinopathy of prematurity; incidence of NEC

MOM+ DHM; MOM + PF

Four weeks

65.0 ± 34.0/58.5 ± 32.0

Bovine fortifier added to MOM and DHM.

Lee et al. [44]

2016

46

Retrospective cohort

BW < 1500 g

27.8 ± 1.4/

28.0 ± 1.7

Morbidity, duration of parenteral nutrition

MOM + DHM; MOM + PF

Not specified.

61.1 ± 17.8/74.3 ± 21.5

Not specified.

Kreissl et al. [43]

2017

283

Prospective study

BW < 1500 g; GW < 32 w

27.6 (23.3–31.9)/

27.3 (23.3–21.3) [Median (range)]

Full enteral feeding; weight at discharge; incidence of NEC

Group DHM; Group PF

Not specified.

60.0 ± 38.2/94.0 ± 37.5

Bovine fortifier added to

MOM and DHM

Kim et al. [42]

2017

90

Retrospective cohort

BW < 1500 g;

GW < 32w

32.3 ± 4.3/

31.0 ± 3.9

In-hospital mortality; broncho-pulmonary dysplasia; early-onset morbidity; growth parameters; incidence of NEC

Group DHM; Group PF

Not specified.

60.5 ± 19.9/75.5 ± 28.3

HM fortifier added to DHM group

Colaizy et al. [39]

2012

171

Retrospective cohort

BW ≤ 1250 g;

GA < 27 w

27 (25.6, 28.8)/ 28.43 (25.4, 29.6) [median (IQR)]

Growth; morbidity; incidence of NEC

< 25%HM + formula;

25–50%HM + formula;

51–75% HM + formula;

> 75% HM + formula

Not specified

77.3 ± 24.8/83.7 ± 54.9

Bovine-based fortifier added to > 75% DHM group, which is a subgroup of human milk

< 25% HM + formula and > 75% DHM groups were included. Gestational week refers to the two groups included.

Chowning et al. [38]

2016

550

Retrospective cohort

BW ⩽1500 g

29.1 ± 2.4/

29.3 ± 2.8

Mortality rate; incidence of NEC surgical; NEC rate

0% HM;

< 50% DHM;

⩾ 50% DHM;

⩾90D HM

Not specified.

56.5 ± 22.0/65.9 ± 60.2

Bovine-based fortifier added to ⩾90 HM group

According to established criteria, 0% HM and ⩾90 DHM groups were included. Gestational week refers to the two groups included.