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Transition from gavage to nipple feeding for preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Gail C McCain1, Teresa Del Moral, Robert C Duncan

  • 1Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, Hunter College, CUNY, New York, USA. gmccain@hunter.cuny.edu

Nursing Research
|September 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The semidemand feeding method significantly speeds up nipple feeding for preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, improving their transition from respiratory support. This approach helps infants achieve oral feeding faster.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Pediatric respiratory medicine
  • Infant nutrition

Background:

  • Preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) face challenges transitioning from gavage to nipple feeding due to respiratory distress.
  • Tachypnea and hypoxemia are common complications that hinder oral feeding in these vulnerable infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of the semidemand feeding method in preterm infants with BPD.
  • To determine if the semidemand method accelerates the achievement of nipple feeding and shortens hospital stays compared to standard care.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 86 preterm infants with BPD.
  • Infants were assigned to either standard care or the semidemand feeding protocol, which utilized infant cues to regulate feeding.
  • Gestational age and birth weight were comparable between groups (approximately 25 weeks and 785g).

Main Results:

  • Infants in the semidemand group achieved nipple feeding significantly faster (5.9 days) than the control group (12.3 days).
  • No significant difference was observed in the length of hospitalization between the two groups.

Conclusions:

  • The semidemand feeding method is effective in accelerating the transition to nipple feeding for preterm infants with BPD.
  • This method accounts for infant respiratory distress, facilitating earlier oral feeding attainment.
Abstract

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