Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
Author Spotlight: Implications of Non-Nutritive Sucking on Speech Emergence and Infant Development
Published on: April 19, 2024
Improving Nutrition Outcomes for Infants < 1500 Grams With a Progressive, Evidenced-Based Enteral Feeding Protocol
Melissa K Thoene1, Elizabeth Lyden2, Ann Anderson-Berry3
1Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
Insights
A new feeding protocol improved growth in very low birth weight infants. This evidence-based approach accelerated enteral feeding and enhanced weight gain without increasing complications.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Growth is critical for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
- Standardized feeding protocols are essential for optimizing VLBW infant care.
- Evaluating feeding protocols impacts growth and clinical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a new, standardized, evidence-based feeding protocol.
- To correlate feeding protocol changes with growth and clinical outcomes in VLBW infants.
- To compare outcomes between infants receiving an initial protocol versus a modified, aggressive protocol.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of VLBW infants (<1500 g) in a level III NICU.
- Comparison of two groups: Epoch 1 (initial protocol) and Epoch 2 (modified protocol).
- Analysis of growth, nutrition, and clinical data for 64 infants (32 per epoch).
Main Results:
- Epoch 2 infants showed improved weight at 36 weeks and higher discharge percentiles.
- Earlier initiation and achievement of full enteral feedings in Epoch 2 (day 1 vs 4; day 7 vs 22).
- Reduced parenteral nutrition days and central line use in Epoch 2, with no increase in major morbidities.
Conclusions:
- A progressive, standardized, evidence-based feeding protocol enhances growth in VLBW infants.
- The modified protocol improved growth metrics without elevating risks of necrotizing enterocolitis.
- This feeding strategy supports better growth outcomes in premature infants.
Background:
Growth is essential for very low birth weight infants. The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to evaluate the impact of a new standardized, evidenced-based feeding protocol for infants born < 1500 g in correlation with growth and clinical outcomes.
Methods:
Growth and nutrition data was reviewed from 2 groups of infants born < 1500 g within a level III newborn intensive care unit (NICU). Epoch 1 infants (N = 32) received care following initial implementation of a standardized enteral feeding protocol. Epoch 2 infants (N = 32) received care following aggressive modification of this initial protocol based on newly available literature that promotes earlier initiation and advancement of enteral feedings.
Results:
Epoch 2 infants weighed more at 36 weeks (2562 vs 2304 g) with higher discharge weight percentiles (32nd vs 15th percentile). Epoch 2 infants started and achieved full enteral feedings earlier (day of life 1 vs 4; 7 vs 22, P < 0.0001) and required less days of parenteral nutrition (5.5 vs 17.5 days, P < 0.0001), with indwelling central line for parenteral access (6 vs 17.5). There were no differences in retinopathy of prematurity (17% control vs 19% study), oxygen requirement at 36 weeks (22% epoch 1 vs 43%), necrotizing enterocolitis (3% epoch 1 vs 0%), intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3-4, periventricular leukomalacia, or death.
Conclusion:
In this sample of very low birth weight infants, a progressive standardized, evidence-based feeding protocol was associated with improved growth without increased risk for necrotizing enterocolitis.
More Related Videos
10:17Improving Student Outcomes with an Adaptable Molecular Cloning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience
Published on: November 15, 2024
05:55High-throughput, Microscale Protocol for the Analysis of Processing Parameters and Nutritional Qualities in Maize Zea mays L.
Published on: June 16, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:26Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
01:15Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube...
02:11The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
01:28Microbial Nutrition