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Abolition of feeding intolerance following ophthalmologic examination of neonates
Insights
Withholding infant feedings for four hours after ophthalmologic examinations may reduce feeding intolerance. This study found no increased incidence of feeding intolerance or necrotizing enterocolitis with this new policy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Mydriatic eye drops and examinations can cause feeding intolerance in infants, marked by gastric issues.
- Previous practices lacked a standardized approach to mitigate this common complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of withholding feedings for four hours post-ophthalmologic examination.
- To determine if this policy reduces the incidence of feeding intolerance in infants.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study followed 50 infants undergoing ophthalmologic examinations.
- Infants received cyclopentolate and phenylephrine hydrochloride prior to examination.
- Feeding intolerance incidence was compared 24 hours before and after the examination and policy implementation.
Main Results:
- No increase in feeding intolerance was observed in the 24 hours following the examination after the policy was in place.
- No cases of necrotizing enterocolitis were reported during the study periods.
- The implemented policy appeared effective in preventing post-examination feeding intolerance.
Conclusions:
- Withholding feedings for four hours after ophthalmologic examinations is a viable strategy.
- This practice may significantly reduce the occurrence of feeding intolerance in infants.
- Further research can validate these findings in larger cohorts.
Abstract:
Administration of mydriatic medication and ophthalmologic examination have previously been associated with feeding intolerance, characterized by large retained gastric aspirates and abdominal distention. In an attempt to eliminate this problem, we instituted a policy of withholding feedings for four hours following ophthalmologic examination. A prospective series of 50 consecutive patients was then followed to determine the incidence of feeding intolerance 24 hours prior to and 24 hours following the examination. All infants had received cyclopentolate hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride prior to the examination. A critical review of the nursing notes revealed no increased incidence in feeding intolerance during the 24-hour period following examination. There were no cases of necrotizing enterocolitis during either period. This study provides evidence that the incidence of feeding intolerance following ophthalmologic examinations might be reduced by withholding feeding for four hours after the examinations.