Table 1 Baseline characteristics and complications prior to the beginning of the study.

Characteristics of the newborns

Born in the hospital

5

8

11

9

Male gender

4

2

5

9

Cesarean section

4

7

11

8

1-min Apgar ≤4

1

3

2

2

5-min Apgar ≤8

3

4

2

2

Resuscitation (endotracheal intubation)

0

4

1

3

Prenatal corticosteroids

4

8

10

9

Complications of the newborns

Respiratory distress syndrome

4

5

3

8

Mechanical ventilation

3

5

2

7

Patent ductus arteriosus

1

4

1

3

Sepsis

2

1

3

3

Necrotizing enterocolitis

2

0

0

0

Intraventricular hemorrhage

2

1

1

0

Parenteral nutrition > 7 days

2

3

3

3