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Factors associated with the transition to oral feeding in infants fed by nasogastric tubes
1Department of Health Sciences, Cleveland State University, Ohio 44115.
Insights
Medical complications significantly predict longer transition times for infants needing nasogastric tube feeding. Identifying these factors aids occupational therapists in early intervention for feeding difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Nutrition
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Nasogastric tube feeding is common in infants with feeding difficulties.
- Transitioning to oral feeding can be challenging and lengthy for some infants.
- Understanding factors influencing this transition is crucial for optimizing infant care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify medical factors associated with the duration of transition to complete oral feeding in infants.
- To explore predictors of prolonged transition times from nasogastric tube to oral feeding.
Main Methods:
- Correlational and multiple regression analyses were performed on data from 100 infants fed via nasogastric tubes.
- Infants' medical complications and transition times to oral feeding were assessed.
Main Results:
- Ninety-four out of 100 infants transitioned to oral feeding within 2 to 58 days.
- A higher number of medical complications correlated significantly with longer transition times.
- Digestive, respiratory, and cardiac complications were significant predictors of transition length.
Conclusions:
- Medical complications are key predictors of prolonged transition to oral feeding in infants.
- Early identification of at-risk infants by occupational therapists can improve feeding outcomes.
- Findings support targeted interventions for infants experiencing difficulties transitioning from nasogastric tube feeding.
Abstract:
Following a review of 100 infants fed by nasogastric tubes, medical factors associated with the length of transition to complete oral feeding were identified through correlational and multiple regression analyses. Six of the 100 infants had an extremely lengthy transition or never progressed to oral feeding; the remaining 94 infants progressed to oral feeding within 2 to 58 days. The total number of medical complications correlated significantly and positively with the length of transition. Digestive, respiratory, and cardiac complications were all significant predictors of the length of transition to oral feeding. The results of this study may assist occupational therapists in earlier identification of and intervention for infants fed by nasogastric tubes who are at risk for later oral feeding problems and a longer transition from nasogastric tube to oral feeding.