Heart rate changes during gauge feeding of neonates

One hundred and one electrocardiographs (ECGs) were performed on 38 babies, before, during and after gavage feeds. Forty ECGs taken from 22 babies showed a significant bradycardia occurring after tube passage. The risk of this occurring appeared higher with preterms and with babies below 2.5 kg. It is recommended that gavage feeding be restricted to babies above 2.5kg.