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Feeding resistance after parenteral hyperalimentation
Insights
Infants needing prolonged IV nutrition may resist oral feeding due to behavioral issues. Addressing developmental factors is crucial for successful oral feeding in these infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Prolonged hyperalimentation is necessary for infants with various medical conditions.
- Early oral feeding cessation can lead to difficulties in re-establishing oral intake.
Observation:
- A case study of an infant deprived of oral feedings for the first ten months of life.
- The infant exhibited active resistance to oral feeding attempts.
Findings:
- Feeding resistance in this infant was attributed to behavioral and developmental factors.
- Evidence from child development literature supports the role of these factors.
Implications:
- Clinical management should prioritize behavioral and developmental assessments for infants with feeding resistance after prolonged hyperalimentation.
- Interdisciplinary approaches involving developmental specialists may improve outcomes.
Abstract:
Infants requiring prolonged hyperalimentation for a variety of conditions may experience difficulty in establishing oral feedings. Indeed, active resistance to oral feeding is often observed. We describe an infant who was deprived of normal oral feedings for the first ten months of life. Because subsequent feeding resistance was apparently due to behavioral and developmental factors, we suggest that the approach to such cases should involve particular attention to these areas. The child development literature and our surgical experience with esophageal atresia give supporting evidence.