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Evidence-Based Approaches to Successful Oral Feeding in Infants with Feeding Difficulties

Kathryn A Hasenstab1, Sudarshan R Jadcherla2

  • 1Innovative Infant Feeding Disorders Research Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Center for Perinatal Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroads, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.

Clinics in Perinatology
|June 6, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants often struggle with feeding. Evaluating the feeding process and specialized testing can identify causes of dysfunction and guide management for successful oral feeding.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) frequently experience feeding difficulties.
  • The underlying causes of these feeding issues are often unclear.
  • A comprehensive evaluation is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss diagnostic and management approaches for feeding difficulties in NICU infants.
  • To identify objective clues within the provider/parent/infant feeding process.
  • To determine the risk of feeding failure or need for chronic tube feeding.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation of the provider/parent/infant feeding interaction.
  • Specialized testing to assess infant swallowing function (dysfunction, immaturity, maldevelopment).
  • Review of current evidence-based diagnostic and management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Feeding process evaluation can reveal objective clues to difficulties.
  • Specialized testing identifies specific swallowing impairments.
  • Risk stratification for feeding failure and tube dependence is possible.

Conclusions:

  • A systematic approach combining process evaluation and specialized testing is key.
  • Evidence-based strategies can lead to successful oral feeding in NICU infants.
  • Early identification and management improve feeding outcomes.

Keywords:
DysphagiaFeeding difficultiesGastrostomyGavageInfantNeonateSwallowing

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