๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-06-11

Targeting Human Milk Fortification to Improve Preterm Infant Growth and Brain Development (NCT03977259)

๐Ÿ”ต Active, Not Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ๐Ÿ“‹ Clinical Research Protocol Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

This study is a randomized trial comparing 2 methods of human milk fortification for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). All participating infants will receive a human milk diet comprising maternal and/or donor milk plus multi-component and modular fortifiers. In one group (control), the milk will be fortified according to routine standard of care. In the other group (intervention), the fortification will be individually targeted based on the results of point-of-care human milk analysis. Outcomes include physical growth in the NICU and after discharge, brain structure by magnetic resonance imaging at term equivalent age, and neurodevelopment at 2 years.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Brigham and Women's Hospital โ€” Boston, Massachusetts

Age range: 1 Day to 21 Days

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • Individually targeted fortification (OTHER)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital โ€” Boston, Massachusetts

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

More studies in Preterm Birth

Explore by condition: All Preterm Birth clinical trials

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—