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Bolus vs. continuous feeding: effects on splanchnic and cerebral tissue oxygenation in healthy preterm infants

Luigi Corvaglia1, Silvia Martini1, Barbara Battistini1

  • 1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

Pediatric Research
|April 10, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Bolus feeding increased splanchnic oxygenation in preterm infants, while continuous feeding reduced it. Cerebral oxygenation remained stable with both feeding methods, suggesting different impacts on infant organ perfusion.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Gastrointestinal Physiology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Tube feeding is essential for preterm infants, with both intermittent and continuous methods used.
  • Optimal feeding method for tolerance and physiological stability remains unclear.
  • Investigating cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation differences between feeding modes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of bolus versus continuous tube feeding on cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation in healthy preterm infants.
  • To determine if feeding method influences physiological responses in neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty healthy preterm infants were monitored for 6 hours using near-infrared spectroscopy.
  • Simultaneous monitoring of cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation during two feeding conditions: 10-minute bolus and 3-hour continuous.
  • Oxygenation trends were analyzed and compared between the two feeding modes.

Main Results:

  • Cerebral oxygenation showed no significant changes over time or differences between bolus and continuous feeding.
  • Splanchnic oxygenation demonstrated significant changes, increasing after bolus feeding and decreasing during continuous feeding.
  • Feeding mode distinctly impacts splanchnic oxygenation in preterm infants.

Conclusions:

  • Bolus and continuous tube feeding differentially affect splanchnic oxygenation in preterm infants.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and clinical implications of these findings on feeding tolerance.
  • Understanding these physiological differences can inform feeding strategies for neonates.
Abstract

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