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The impact of feeding interval on feeding outcomes in very low birth-weight infants

S B DeMauro1, S Abbasi, S Lorch

  • 1The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. demauro@email.chop.edu

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|January 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants fed every 2 hours reached full enteral feedings significantly faster than those fed every 3 hours. This more frequent feeding schedule improved feeding tolerance in VLBW infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Pediatric gastroenterology
  • Clinical research

Background:

  • Optimizing enteral feeding is crucial for the growth and development of very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants.
  • Feeding schedules in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) vary, impacting feeding tolerance and time to achieve full enteral nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the time to reach full enteral feedings in VLBW infants based on feeding frequency (every 2 hours vs. every 3 hours).
  • To evaluate the impact of feeding frequency on feeding tolerance and the need for parenteral nutrition.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study comparing VLBW infants fed every 2 hours (q2, n=103) with those fed every 3 hours (q3, n=251).
  • Primary outcome: days from feeding advance initiation to achieving full enteral feedings (120 ml/kg/day).
  • Multivariable regression analysis controlled for maternal and perinatal confounders.

Main Results:

  • Infants fed q2 reached full feedings 2.7 days sooner than q3 infants (unadjusted).
  • After adjustment, q2 infants reached full feedings 3.7 days faster (95% CI 1.6, 5.9).
  • Q3 infants had higher odds of receiving parenteral nutrition >28 days (OR 4.7) and having feeds held for ≥7 days (OR 4.7).

Conclusions:

  • More frequent feeding (q2) in VLBW infants leads to quicker achievement of full enteral feedings.
  • Increased feeding frequency improves feeding tolerance and potentially reduces the duration of supplemental nutrition.
  • Findings support optimizing feeding schedules for better outcomes in VLBW infants.
Abstract

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