Effect of colostrum on immunoglobulin A levels among premature infants: a meta-analysis / 预防医学

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To systematically evaluate the effect of colostrum on immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels among premature infants, so as to provide the evidence for improving premature infants' health with colostrum feeding.@*Methods@#Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) pertaining to the effect of colostrum and IgA levels among premature infants were retrieved in national and international databases from inception to September 30, 2022, including CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed and Web of Science. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as an effect index for meta-analysis. The robustness of the results was evaluated using sensitivity analysis, and the publication bias was evaluated using Begg's test, Egger's test and funnel plot.@*Results @#A total of 650 publications were retrieved initially, and 10 studies were finally included, including 9 RCTs and one1 CCT, with 677 participants. Meta-analysis showed higher secretory salivary secretory IgA levels among premature infants with colostrum feeding than among controls (SMD=0.49, 95%CI 0.08-0.89), and there were no significant differences between groups in terms of urinary secretory IgA levels (SMD=0.19, 95%CI -0.39-0.77) or blood IgA levels (SMD=0.29, 95%CI -0.01-0.59). Sensitivity analysis showed robustness of meta-analysis results, and no publication bias was examined.@*Conclusion@#Colostrum feeding may increase salivary secretory IgA levels among premature infants; however, it has no effect on urine salivary secretory IgA levels or blood IgA levels.