Factors associated with feeding progression in extremely preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatalogy
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Oral feeding competence is crucial for growth and discharge in premature infants.
• Extremely preterm (EP) infants (≤28 weeks gestational age) face challenges in developing oral feeding skills due to medical complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine feeding progression by assessing the timing of five early feeding milestones in EP infants.
• To determine the impact of gestational age at birth and medical complications on feeding progression in EP infants.

Main Methods:

• A chart review of 94 EP infants was conducted.
• Feeding progression was measured by postmenstrual age at five milestones: first/full enteral feeding, first/half/full oral feeding.
• Linear mixed models analyzed the influence of gestational age, five medical complications, and milk type on feeding milestones.

Main Results:

• EP infants gradually achieved feeding milestones, but younger gestational age and complications (neurological risk, BPD, NEC, PDA) significantly slowed attainment.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease did not significantly impact feeding milestone acquisition.
• Infants fed breast milk achieved milestones earlier than those fed formula.

Conclusions:

• Understanding feeding milestone timing in EP infants is key for targeted interventions.
• Specific medical conditions significantly affect feeding skill development in EP infants.
• Early identification of risk factors can optimize feeding support for EP infants.