Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Non-Nutritive Suck Parameters Measurements Using a Custom Pressure Transducer System
Published on: April 19, 2024
[Factors associated to oral feeding transition in preterm infants]
Karina Elena Bernardis Bühler1, Suelly Cecília Olivan Limongi
1Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo. kabuhler@uol.com.br
Insights
Medical complications like pulmonary, cardiac, and hematological issues, along with infections, significantly impact the initiation and duration of oral feeding in preterm infants. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective neonatal care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Context:
- Oral feeding is a complex developmental milestone for preterm infants.
- Successful oral feeding is critical for infant growth and development.
Purpose:
- To determine factors influencing the commencement and duration of oral feeding transition in preterm infants.
- To provide insights for optimizing feeding support in neonatal intensive care units.
Summary:
- This study analyzed 40 preterm infants (max gestational age 34 weeks 6 days).
- Pulmonary, cardiac, hematological complications, and infections were significantly associated with oral feeding transition start and duration.
- These findings highlight key challenges in preterm infant feeding.
Impact:
- Informing speech-language pathologists in Neonatal Care Units about critical factors affecting oral feeding.
- Enhancing the efficiency and safety of feeding interventions for preterm infants.
- Improving clinical practice and outcomes for vulnerable neonates.
Background:
Oral feeding is one of the most complicated tasks for a preterm infant to achieve.
Aim:
To identify the factors associated with the start and extension (time) of oral feeding transition in preterm infants.
Method:
40 preterm infants born with gestational ages of 34 weeks and 6 days maximum.
Results:
Pulmonary, cardiac, hematological medical complications and the presence of infection present statistically significant relation to the start and extension of oral feeding transition in preterm infants.
Conclusion:
The speech-pathologist who works at Neonatal Care Units should have the knowledge about the factors that interfere in the ability of preterm infants to be orally fed, so that the assistance given by this professional is more efficient and secure.
Related Concept Videos
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
Development of Human Microbiota
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
