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Respiratory mechanics in very low birth weight infants during continuous versus intermittent gavage feeds

G Brar1, D Geiss, L P Brion

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|December 18, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Changing feeding methods for very low birth weight infants from intermittent to continuous enteral feeds did not significantly alter respiratory mechanics. This finding suggests feeding schedules do not impact respiratory system compliance or resistance in stable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Enteral feeding is crucial for very low birth weight infants.
  • The method of feeding (intermittent vs. continuous) may influence respiratory function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of switching from intermittent to continuous enteral feeding on respiratory mechanics in stable, very low birth weight infants.

Main Methods:

  • 16 stable infants (<1500g) with no need for respiratory support were studied.
  • Respiratory mechanics (compliance, resistance, FRC, tidal volume) were measured before and after feeds.
  • Measurements were taken on intermittent feeds and the following day on continuous feeds.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in static respiratory system compliance, resistance, functional residual capacity (FRC), or tidal volume.
  • The transition from intermittent to continuous feeding did not affect measured respiratory parameters.

Conclusions:

  • Switching enteral feeding from intermittent to continuous schedules does not appear to affect static respiratory mechanics in stable, very low birth weight infants.
  • This suggests feeding modality is not a primary determinant of respiratory function in this population.

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