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Deprivation and dysphagia in premature infants

Peter M Bingham1

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05401, USA. Peter.Bingham@uvm.edu

Journal of Child Neurology
|June 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Oral-tactile stimulation improves feeding in premature infants by enhancing ingestive behaviors. Understanding sensory deprivation

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Infant feeding behaviors develop with rhythmic sucking and swallowing patterns.
  • Brainstem central pattern generators, influenced by oral-tactile input, control these behaviors.
  • Oral-tactile stimulation is known to improve feeding in premature infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of oral sensory deprivation on feeding problems in premature infants.
  • To explore the link between early feeding difficulties (dysphagia) and later developmental impairments.
  • To highlight the need for sensory interventions to support feeding development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of neurobiological mechanisms underlying ingestive behavior.
  • Clinical observations of oral-tactile stimulation in tube-fed premature infants.
  • Reference to rodent studies on sensory deprivation effects.

Main Results:

  • Oral-tactile stimulation via pacifier can stimulate ingestive behavior and improve feeding skills.
  • The extent to which oral sensory deprivation contributes to feeding problems is not well understood.
  • Sensory deprivation may have neuropathologic effects, particularly relevant for premature newborns.

Conclusions:

  • Oral sensory experiences are crucial for the development of feeding skills in infants.
  • Further research is needed to understand the role of sensory deprivation in infant feeding disorders.
  • Clinical trials of sensory interventions are warranted to promote optimal feeding development in premature infants.

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