RhBSSL improves growth and LCPUFA absorption in preterm infants fed formula or pasteurized breast milk

OBJECTIVES: Preterm infants often experience suboptimal growth, which can affect organ development. The aim of this study was to improve growth by treatment with bile salt-stimulated lipase (BSSL), naturally present in breast milk, but lost after pasteurization, and absent in formula. METHODS: Two clinical trials were performed with a predefined analysis of combined data to investigate the effects of recombinant human BSSL (rhBSSL) treatment on growth velocity and fat absorption in preterm infants. The studies were randomized and double-blinded comparing 7-day treatment with rhBSSL and placebo, administered in pasteurized breast milk or formula, using a crossover design. RESULTS: Sixty-three infants were evaluated for safety. At randomization, the mean (standard deviation) weight was 1467 (193) g and mean postmenstrual age was 32.6 (0.5) weeks. Sixty and 46 infants were evaluated for growth velocity and fat absorption, respectively. rhBSSL treatment significantly improved mean growth velocity by 2.93 g · kg · day (P<0.001) compared with placebo (mean 16.86 vs 13.93 g · kg · day) and significantly decreased the risk of suboptimal growth (<15 g · kg · day) (30% vs 52%, P=0.004). rhBSSL significantly increased absorption of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, and arachidonic acid by 5.76% (P=0.013) and 8.55% (P=0.001), respectively, but had no significant effect on total fat absorption. The adverse-event profile was similar to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: In preterm infants fed pasteurized breast milk or formula, 1 week of treatment with rhBSSL was well tolerated and significantly improved growth and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid absorption compared to placebo. This publication presents the first data regarding the use of rhBSSL in preterms and the results have led to further clinical studies.