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Factors associated with feeding difficulties in the very preterm infant

T L Crapnell1, C E Rogers, J J Neil

  • 1Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|August 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Early hypotonia and lower socioeconomic status are linked to feeding problems in preterm infants. These factors may disrupt oral-motor skill development and highlight the influence of family background on feeding outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Pediatric Nutrition

Background:

  • Preterm infants face increased risks for feeding difficulties.
  • Early identification of risk factors is crucial for intervention.
  • Feeding problems can impact long-term growth and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate early medical and family factors associated with later feeding risk in preterm infants.
  • To identify predictors of feeding problems at age 2 years in infants born prematurely.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 136 infants born ≤30 weeks gestation.
  • Assessment of medical, social, neurobehavioral, and maternal factors at term equivalent age.
  • Feeding outcome assessed at 2 years using the Infant-Toddler Social Emotional Assessment.

Main Results:

  • 23% of children experienced feeding problems at age 2 years.
  • Feeding problems were significantly associated with early hypotonia (p=0.03) and lower socioeconomic status (p=0.046).
  • No significant associations found with early medical factors, neurobehavioral functioning, cerebral structure, or maternal mental health.

Conclusions:

  • Early hypotonia may impede oral-motor skill development in preterm infants.
  • Lower socioeconomic status underscores the role of family background in feeding difficulties.
  • Findings suggest targeted interventions for hypotonia and socioeconomic support may improve feeding outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
FeedingNeonatal intensive care unitOutcomeSocio-economic statushypotoniapreterm

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