Influence of Full Oral Feeding Acquisition on Growth of Premature Infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Growth and Development
• Nutritional Support in Preterm Infants

Background:

• Optimizing nutritional intake is critical for the growth and development of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
• Achieving full oral feeding (FOF) is a significant milestone in neonatal care, impacting length of hospital stay and overall outcomes.
• Understanding factors influencing FOF is essential for improving care strategies in neonatal units.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the impact of achieving full oral feeding on the anthropometric growth (weight, length, head circumference) of VLBW infants.
• To analyze the relationship between gestational age at birth, birth weight, and the postmenstrual age (PMA) of FOF.
• To identify clinical factors associated with delayed FOF and discharge from the neonatal unit.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal retrospective observational study was conducted on VLBW infants (<30 weeks gestational age) admitted to a tertiary neonatal unit.
• Anthropometric measurements (weight, length, head circumference) were recorded at birth, specific gestational ages, FOF, and discharge.
• Statistical analysis explored correlations between gestational age, birth weight, clinical morbidities, interventions, and timing of FOF and discharge.

Main Results:

• FOF was achieved at a mean PMA of 37.1 ± 2.1 weeks, with discharge at 38.6 ± 2.5 weeks.
• Lower gestational age at birth and lower birth weight were inversely correlated with earlier FOF achievement.
• Conditions such as patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity, sepsis, and blood transfusions were associated with later FOF and discharge.

Conclusions:

• The transition to oral feeding did not negatively affect infant growth parameters.
• VLBW infants born earlier (<30 weeks gestational age) and with lower birth weight were more likely to experience delayed FOF, which correlated with a later discharge age.