Comparison of Feeding Options for HIV-Exposed Infants: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: To compare growth, anemia prevalence, and sickness frequency in HIV- exposed uninfected infants on different feeding modes.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 109 HIV-exposed uninfected infants registered at our center were categorized into three groups as per their feeding mode during first 6 months viz. exclusively breast fed (n=50), animal milk fed (n=40) and commercial infant formula fed (n=19). Their anthropometric parameters, hemoglobin and frequency of sickness at the age of 6 months were compared.
Results: There were no significant inter-group differences in the weight for age, weight for length, length for age z-scores (P=0.16, 0.37 and 0.12, respectively); proportion of infants with underweight (P=0.63), wasting (P=0.82), or stunting (P=0.82), and mean hemoglobin levels among the 3 groups at 6 month of age. Animal milk fed and formula fed infant had increased risk of sickness compared to exclusively breastfed infants (OR 2.5 and 2.49, respectively; P<0.01).
Conclusions: In circumstances where breastfeeding is not feasible or preferred, animal milk feeding offers a viable alternative to commercial infant feeding formula in HIV exposed infants.