Budapest, Hungary, Apr 30: Researchers at Semmelweis University have introduced a novel therapeutic approach using intranasal breast milk to support newborns suffering from Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, a leading cause of neonatal mortality and long-term neurological complications.
Between December 2024 and February 2025, ten newborns with moderate to severe brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation were treated using this method. Findings from the study have been published in Pediatric Research, highlighting the safety and potential of this innovative therapy.
Currently, standard treatment for such cases involves therapeutic hypothermia, where infants’ body temperature is reduced to 33–34°C to limit brain damage. The new approach aims to complement this by administering freshly expressed breast milk through the nasal passages, allowing beneficial components—such as stem cells and neurotrophic factors—to reach the central nervous system more directly.
The study was led by Ünőke Méder and Eszter Tarjányi, who evaluated the safety of the procedure in both clinical and controlled home environments. Breast milk was administered within 48 hours of birth under medical supervision and continued for 28 days with trained parental involvement.
Results showed that the therapy was safe, with no reported respiratory, circulatory, or neurological complications among the infants involved.
Researchers also highlighted the logistical and emotional challenges faced during the study, including transporting breast milk and supporting mothers through the process. Despite these hurdles, parental participation proved effective, with many families actively contributing to the care process.
While the study confirms safety, researchers emphasized that further large-scale trials are needed to establish the effectiveness of intranasal breast milk therapy. Early evidence from animal studies and international research suggests promising neurological benefits.
If validated, this approach could emerge as a cost-effective and accessible treatment option, particularly in regions where advanced therapies like hypothermia may not be readily available.
