A study of factors that may influence the determination of copper, iron, and zinc in human milk during sampling and in sample individuals.

The aim of this study was to establish the possible effects of the sampling protocol (between-breast, within-feed, and diurnal differences) and the mother's personal factors (age, parity, iron supplementation, smoking habits, and lactation period) on the copper, iron, and zinc contents in human milk. One hundred thirty-six human milk samples identified by their origin and sampling conditions were analyzed. The samples were obtained from the 2nd to 15th d postpartum from 62 women. The data on the individuals required for the study were available. Mineral determinations were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry following a standardized protocol. The results showed that iron conten…

Copper, iron and zinc determinations in human milk using FAAS with microwave digestion

Abstract A method for determining copper, iron and zinc in human milk was optimized and validated. It includes microwave mineralization of the sample and measuring the elements by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). Only 2 ml of milk is needed, and the method is free of matrix interferences. The values obtained for the detection limits (0.07; 0.07; 0.11 μg/ml milk, for copper, iron and zinc) precision of the method, intra-assay (2.9; 5.2; 6.1%RSD for copper, iron and zinc) and accuracy, evaluated using recovery assays (98.8; 100.4; 95.9% for copper, iron and zinc) show that the method is useful for the purpose mentioned. Moreover, the method is rapid and simple, and the determinati…

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions in healthy newborns: normative data.

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) offer an alternative to transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) as an audiological test. The former can be used as a screening technique, and may also provide frequency-specific information about the functional state of the cochlea. We recorded DPOAE in a group of healthy newborns to establish the Characteristics of a DPOAE “audiogram” (DP-gram) in this population. The DP-gram can be obtained with characteristics quite similar to those observed in adults, with two sharp peaks of maximum amplitude at F2 frequencies of 2 kHz and 5-6 kHz, and a decline in DPOAE amplitude in mid frequencies. The results confirm the limitations of DPOAE r…

Evolution of Copper Contents from Colostrum to Transitional Human Milk

Copper, iron, and zinc contents in human milk during the first three months of lactation: A longitudinal study

The aim of the study has been to analyze the evolution of copper, iron, and zinc contents in human milk, from colostrum to the third postpartum month, following a longitudinal design, under specific conditions of sample collection and to apply an analytical procedure previously optimized to reduce any variation outside physiological lactation. The copper, iron, and zinc concentrations in 144 milk samples from 39 healthy puerpera women, were analyzed in five stages by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, following a standardized protocol. Copper presented a gradual decrease from 0.38 mg/L to 0.19 mg/L by the 90th day; the particular analysis from colostrum to transitional milk manifested th…

The effects on offspring of premature parturition

The time of parturition defines the length of the intrauterine period of fetal life, a requisite to achieve adequate adaptation to the external environment. Immaturity, a condition whose severity is inversely related to the length of pregnancy, is the main determinant of the increased morbidity and mortality associated with preterm birth. Despite great advances in medical technology and expertise, mainly after the introduction of the neonatal intensive care units, only one- to two-thirds of infants from the subsets with lower birthweight/gestational age reach survival at discharge. Distinct major neurological and sensorial sequelae, including cerebral palsy, retinopathy of prematurity, and …

Early decision of gastrostomy tube insertion in children with severe developmental disability: a current dilemma

Background:  Healthcare professionals advise earlier gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in children with severe developmental disabilities, marked feeding disorders and risk of malnutrition. However, a delay in acceptance of the procedure by parents/guardians is the main issue of concern. The present study aimed to investigate: (i) parental satisfaction with GT feeding and whether parents/carers would have accepted earlier GT placement and (ii) subsequent nutritional outcome. Methods:  Twenty-six disabled children with GT feeding were recruited. A structured questionnaire by telephone was held to record parental perceptions of GT (mainly satisfaction with the procedure and patient management).…