Oral feeding trajectories and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 and 24 month follow-up for preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatalogy
• Pediatric Neurology
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Limited research exists on NICU feeding performance and its link to neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• Investigating the relationship between time to full oral feeds (FULL-PO) and long-term outcomes in preterm infants is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between achieving FULL-PO at different postmenstrual ages (PMA) and neurodevelopmental and feeding outcomes in the first two years.
• To identify predictors of feeding difficulties and developmental delays in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks or birth weight < 1500g) from 2014-2017.
• Comparison of infants achieving FULL-PO by ≤38.0 weeks PMA (EARLY) versus >38.0 weeks PMA (LATE).
• Assessment of feeding difficulties, cerebral palsy, and Bayley scores at corrected and chronological ages; construction of an oral feeding acquisition timeline.

Main Results:

• 147 (77%) infants achieved FULL-PO EARLY, while 45 (23%) achieved it LATE.
• The LATE group had higher comorbidities, longer hospital stays, and lower Bayley scores at 12 months corrected age and 24 months chronological age.
• Infants born < 27-28 weeks gestation and those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were more likely to achieve oral feeding later and experienced feeding and developmental delays.

Conclusions:

• Establishing FULL-PO by 38.0 weeks PMA can predict feeding difficulties at 24 months chronological age.
• Infants born extremely preterm (< 27-28 weeks gestation) and those with BPD require extended time for oral feeding and are at higher risk for neurodevelopmental delays.