A influência da colostroterapia no ganho de peso dos recém-nascidos prematuros: revisão integrativa

Abstract

Introduction: Premature birth is considered one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in childhood due to incomplete fetal development and increased vulnerability to infection. In addition, premature newborns often require Neonatal Intensive Care support. In this context, colostrum therapy emerges as an essential alternative to provide the benefits of breast milk to a newborn unable to suckle, enhancing their growth and adequate development. Objective: to analyze the evidence about the influence of colostrum therapy on weight gain in premature newborns. Methodology: this is an integrative review carried out from April to June 2025. The descriptors used through Decs/MESH were: colostrum OR ropharyngeal colostrum AND weight gain AND prematurity in the databases: Pubmed, Scopus, LILACS, Embase, Web of Science and Science Direct. After reading the titles, abstracts and full articles, 11 studies that met the eligibility criteria were selected. Results: the 11 selected studies involved a total of 2,903 premature newborns receiving colostrum therapy, with the main outcome being the assessment of weight gain and, secondarily, the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, feeding intolerance, and death. Approximately 80% of the studies indicated the importance of colostrum therapy in weight gain, decreased neonatal morbidity and mortality, and decreased hospital stay. Conclusion: the studies demonstrated the importance of colostrum therapy in the weight gain of premature newborns, as well as in the prevention of morbidity and mortality.