[Clinical features of feeding intolerance in preterm infants]

Zhen Tang1, Ying Zhou, Ming-Xia Li

  • 1Division of Neonatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.

Insights

Feeding intolerance affects over 27% of preterm infants, particularly those with very low birth weight. Key factors include low gestational age, low birth weight, and delayed feeding, highlighting the need for early intervention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology

Context:

  • Feeding intolerance is a common complication in preterm infants.
  • Early identification and management are crucial for improving outcomes in vulnerable neonates.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics of feeding intolerance in preterm infants.
  • To identify risk factors associated with feeding intolerance to inform prevention strategies.

Summary:

  • This retrospective study analyzed 716 preterm infants, finding a 27.5% incidence of feeding intolerance, with higher rates in very low birth weight infants.
  • Simple gastric retention was the most frequent manifestation, typically occurring within 3 days of feeding.
  • Lower gestational age, lower birth weight, delayed feeding, and complications like asphyxia and respiratory diseases were significantly associated with feeding intolerance.

Impact:

  • Findings provide clinical evidence for the prevention of feeding intolerance in preterm infants.
  • Highlights the importance of optimizing feeding protocols and managing complications in neonatal intensive care units.
Abstract

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