Utility of Early LATCH Score in Predicting Exclusive Breastfeeding and Assessing the Impact of Structured Breastfeeding Counselling in Neonates with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
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Abstract
Objective: Hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) neonates suffer early breastfeeding failure due to neurological compromise and maternal anxiety. Predictive value of LATCH Score in HIE infants is underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of LATCH scores in predicting exclusive breastfeeding in term infants with mild–moderate HIE and to assess the impact of structured breastfeeding counselling on score improvement. Design: Prospective observational cohort study. Subjects/Patients: A total of 112 term neonates with mild to moderate hypoxic -ischemic encephalopathy (HIE-I and HIE-II) admitted to neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: LATCH scores were recorded at different time frames and dyads with low latch scores received structured breastfeeding counselling. Feeding outcomes were assessed at 4 weeks of age. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the predictive accuracy of LATCH scores for exclusive breastfeeding. Results: LATCH scores improved significantly from initiation to discharge after counselling (p < 0.001). Scores at 48 hours and discharge were strongly associated with EBF at 4 weeks. ROC analysis identified a LATCH score ≥8 at 48 hours as the most accurate predictor (AUC 0.87; 95% CI 0.80–0.93). Conclusion: Serial assessment of LATCH score is a simple, objective tool to predict short term breastfeeding outcomes in neonates with mild–moderate HIE. Routine LATCH assessment combined with targeted support is recommended for optimizing breastfeeding outcomes in this vulnerable group.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr Aradhana Kankane, Dr Sanjay Agrahari, Dr Nupur Pandey, Dr Ananta Jaiswal
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