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Published on: September 22, 2023
Prolonging gavage feeds for reduction of gastroesophageal reflux in infants
Michael T Favara1, Sheeja Abraham2, Joan DiPalma2
1Neonatology/Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
Objective:
To determine if prolonging gavage feedings in infants for ≥60 min is associated with decreased gastroesophageal reflux (GER) compared with bolus feeding using multiple-channel intraluminal impedance with pH probe (MII-pH).
Study Design:
Retrospective analysis of infants who underwent MII-pH between October 2009 and July 2018 and received gavage feedings. Infants were divided into two groups: bolus (<30 min) or prolonged (≥60 min). Symptoms, number of reflux events and percent time pH < 4 was compared.
Result:
Fifty-eight infants underwent evaluation. Thirty-one (54%) received bolus gavage feedings and 27 (46%) received prolonged feedings. Groups differed in postmenstrual age. Total reflux episodes were significantly lower with prolonged feeding (median 19 vs. 28 episodes, p = 0.015), with no difference in acid exposure time. There was no significant difference in GER symptoms between the two groups.
Conclusion:
Prolongation of gavage feedings was associated with decreased total numbers of GER events without reduction in GER symptoms.
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