Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2025
Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
Published on: July 28, 2022
Neonatal Feeding Intolerance and Its Characteristics: A Descriptive Study
Rawan Khalid Albraik1, Emad Shatla1, Yosra Mohamed Abdulla1
1Paediatrics, King Hamad University Hospital, Manama, BHR.
Insights
Feeding intolerance (FI) in newborns often presents as vomiting and abdominal distension. Cesarean section deliveries were associated with more vomiting, while vaginal deliveries showed more abdominal distension in neonates with FI.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Feeding intolerance (FI) is a frequent issue in neonates, potentially indicating various health problems.
- Causes of FI include reduced intestinal motility, bacterial colonization, and hormonal/immune responses.
- Understanding FI characteristics in full-term neonates is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of feeding intolerance in full-term neonates during hospitalization.
- To compare the presentation of FI based on the mode of delivery.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study was conducted at King Hamad University Hospital, Bahrain.
- Included full-term neonates (gestational age >36 weeks) under one week of age presenting with FI.
- Data on symptoms and mode of delivery were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- 46 neonates with FI were evaluated.
- Vomiting (91.3%) and abdominal distension (8.7%) were the predominant symptoms.
- Neonates born via Cesarean section (52.2%) showed more vomiting compared to those born vaginally (47.8%).
- Abdominal distension was more prevalent in neonates born via vaginal delivery.
Conclusions:
- Refusal to feed, vomiting, and abdominal distension are key indicators of FI in hospitalized neonates.
- These newborns require vigilant monitoring and skilled nursing care.
- Mode of delivery may influence the specific symptoms of feeding intolerance observed.
Background:
Feeding intolerance (FI) is common in preterm infants leading to feeding and gastrointestinal disruptions. FI in newborns can be a sign of a variety of problems, ranging from minor, self-limiting illnesses to serious ones. Many causes are found to cause FI such as low intestinal motility, bacterial colonization, hormonal response, and local immunity response. We aim to find out the characteristics of full-term neonates with FI during the neonatal hospitalization period.
Methods:
This is a descriptive study that was conducted at King Hamad University Hospital in Bahrain. Our targeted population included neonates with FI. Full-term neonates (gestational age, GA >36 weeks) with lower than 1 week of age were included. Data were investigated and compared with the mode of delivery.
Results:
In this study, 46 neonates were included and their characteristics of FI were evaluated. The most common symptoms observed in neonates with FI were vomiting (91.3%) and abdominal distension (8.7%). Of the total cases, 52.2% of neonates were born through Cesarean section (C-section), while 47.8% had a vaginal delivery. All the neonates had normal APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) scores. C-section cases had more vomiting problems than vaginal delivery cases. Abdominal distention was noted more in neonates born via vaginal delivery when compared to C-section.
Conclusion:
During hospitalization after birth, refusal to feed with frequent vomiting or abdominal distension is a common characteristic of FI in neonates. Newborns with this condition require constant monitoring and supportive care from competent nurses.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube...
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...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
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,...