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Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Manometry can predict feeding readiness in preterm infants
1Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Gastroenterology
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Duodenojejunal manometry effectively predicts feeding intolerance in neonates. This small intestinal manometry technique identifies motor activity patterns crucial for determining if preterm infants can tolerate enteral feeding.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Enteral feeding intolerance is a significant challenge in preterm neonates, impacting growth and increasing the risk of complications.
- Accurate prediction of feeding tolerance is essential for optimizing nutritional support and clinical management in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of duodenojejunal manometry in predicting enteral feeding tolerance in preterm infants.
- To identify specific patterns of small intestinal motor activity associated with feeding intolerance.
Main Methods:
- Small intestinal manometry was conducted in 48 preterm infants, assessing motor activity during fasting and feeding states.
- Infants were categorized into feeding tolerant (n=40) and feeding intolerant (n=8) groups based on clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Distinct differences in motor activity patterns were observed between tolerant and intolerant infants.
- Feeding intolerant infants exhibited less pronounced motor quiescence and more prominent clustered motor activity compared to tolerant infants (P < 0.005).
- Tolerant infants demonstrated a significant "fed response" in motor activity post-feeding (P < 0.01), which was absent in intolerant infants.
Conclusions:
- Duodenojejunal manometry is a sensitive tool (sensitivity 1.0) for predicting feeding intolerance in neonates.
- The development of specific motor activity patterns, including a "fed response," correlates with the transition from feeding intolerance to tolerance.

