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Two-hourly versus 3-hourly feeding for very low birthweight infants: a randomised controlled trial

Nor Rosidah Ibrahim1, Tan Hooi Kheng1, Ariffin Nasir1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|September 28, 2016
PubMed

Insights

For very low birthweight preterm infants, 3-hourly enteral feeding is comparable to 2-hourly feeding for achieving full enteral nutrition, with no increased adverse events. This study compared feeding intervals in neonatal intensive care units.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Nutrition

Background:

  • Optimizing enteral feeding is crucial for very low birthweight preterm infants.
  • Feeding intervals are a key variable in neonatal nutrition protocols.
  • Previous research has yielded varied results on optimal feeding frequencies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of 2-hourly versus 3-hourly feeding intervals.
  • To determine the impact on time to achieve full enteral feeding in preterm infants.
  • To assess and compare adverse events between feeding schedules.

Main Methods:

  • A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted.
  • 150 preterm infants (<35 weeks gestation, 1.0-1.5 kg birth weight) were enrolled.
  • Infants were randomized to either 2-hourly or 3-hourly feeding intervals.

Main Results:

  • The mean time to achieve full enteral feeding was similar between groups (10.2 days for 2-hourly vs. 11.3 days for 3-hourly; p=0.14).
  • Time to regain birth weight was significantly shorter in the 3-hourly group (12.9 days vs. 14.8 days; p=0.04).
  • No significant differences were observed in feeding intolerance, bilirubin levels, or other adverse events.

Conclusions:

  • 3-hourly enteral feeding is a viable alternative to 2-hourly feeding for very low birthweight preterm infants.
  • Both feeding schedules achieve full enteral feeding with comparable safety profiles.
  • The 3-hourly schedule may offer a slight advantage in regaining birth weight.
Abstract

Keywords:
Infant FeedingNeonatology

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