Incidence and factors associated with dysphagia in infants born very preterm or very low birth weight

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Jenny Reynolds1, Mustafa Suterwala2,3, Sujata Desai3

  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. Jenny.Reynolds@bswhealth.org.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|April 29, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Dysphagia affects 25% of very preterm (VP) or very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, often linked to serious health issues. This feeding difficulty requires interventions like thickened feeds or gastrostomy tubes for affected infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Outcomes Research

Background:

  • Feeding difficulties are common in infants born very preterm (VP) or with very low birth weight (VLBW).
  • Understanding the incidence and associated conditions of dysphagia in this vulnerable population is crucial for improved care.
  • Dysphagia can significantly impact infant development and require specialized interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of dysphagia in infants born VP or VLBW.
  • To identify co-morbidities associated with dysphagia in this cohort.
  • To analyze the impact of dysphagia on clinical outcomes and resource utilization.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 158 infants born VP or VLBW over two years.
  • Comparison of 40 infants with confirmed dysphagia (via flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) against 118 infants without dysphagia.
  • Statistical analyses, including regression, to identify associated morbidities and clinical factors.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of dysphagia was found to be 25% in the studied cohort.
  • Dysphagia was significantly associated with necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and intracranial hemorrhage, even after adjusting for gestational age and birth weight.
  • Infants with dysphagia experienced more central line days and longer hospital stays; 95% required thickened feeds, and 7.5% needed a gastrostomy tube.

Conclusions:

  • Dysphagia is a significant morbidity affecting a substantial proportion (25%) of infants born VP or VLBW.
  • Dysphagia is strongly associated with other major neonatal morbidities, highlighting the need for early detection and management.
  • Management strategies include feeding modifications and, in some cases, tube feeding, indicating the severity of feeding impairment.
Abstract

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