Pacifier use in preterm infants during orogastric tube feeding: a randomized trial

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Infant Nutrition

Background:

• Preterm infants often require orogastric tube feeding.
• Optimizing feeding practices is crucial for infant development and health.
• Pacifier use is a common intervention in neonatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of pacifier use on feeding outcomes in preterm infants.
• To assess the effects of pacifier combined with human milk during tube feeding.
• To evaluate changes in vital signs, feeding duration, and gastric residue.

Main Methods:

• 90 preterm infants (29+0 to 34+0 weeks gestational age) were randomized into three groups.
• Intervention groups received a pacifier alone or with 1-2 mL of human milk during feeding.
• A control group received no intervention during orogastric tube feeding.

Main Results:

• Feeding duration was significantly shorter in both pacifier intervention groups compared to the control.
• Post-feeding heart and respiratory rates were significantly lower in intervention groups versus during feeding.
• No significant differences were noted in gastric residue between groups.

Conclusions:

• Pacifier use, with or without human milk, enhances feeding efficiency in preterm infants.
• Pacifier intervention is associated with improved physiological stability post-feeding.
• These findings support pacifier use as a beneficial practice for preterm neonates undergoing tube feeding.