Use of exclusive human milk diet in a neonate with single ventricle physiology supported on a ventricular assist device as a bridge to heart transplantation: case report

Cardiol Young. 2024 Oct 30:1-4. doi: 10.1017/S1047951124026775. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Malnutrition is common among paediatric heart failure patients, with nutritional rehabilitation critical for survival and optimal health outcomes. Ventricular assist devices have been associated with improved growth, though additional nutritional support may be needed. Here, we report the use of human milk-based fortifiers to avoid severe malnutrition in a neonate supported on a ventricular assist device until transplantation.

Keywords: CHD; case report; fortifier; heart orthotopic transplantation; human milk; single ventricle; ventricular assist device.