Parents pick which of three cohorts they wish to participate in – Group A is “trace mineral supplementation only”, Group B is “trace mineral supplementation plus” and Group C is “nothing – control group.” All product is supplied for free, and dosing instructions are based on infant weight/modified as the baby grows.
During weeks when infants do not see their pediatricians, nurses with a specialty in pediatric nursing visit participants at their homes for growth and development assessment. (Data is collected from pediatricians in weeks where infants see them.) The frequency of these visits is as follows:
- Initial Intake Into Study (Initial visit)
- Weekly Visits (or updates) = 16 weeks
- Bi-Weekly Vists (or updates) = 2 - 4 months, depending
- Monthly Visits (or updates) = 24 - 36 months, depending
- Cost to participant = ZERO.
Additional support services may be provided as needed including preemie clothing, preemie diapers, bedding, baby supplies, formula, and accessing available community support services as supplies are available.
The Preemie Growth Project plans to begin accepting participants for the study from the Southeastern Michigan area (criteria: born prior to 37 weeks gestation or <2,500g, released from hospital care, under one year of age at time of entrance into study) beginning in December 2009/January 2010.
