[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.
Abstract

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