Related Experiment Videos
Changes in gastric emptying in early postnatal life
M A Carlos1, P S Babyn, M A Marcon
1Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Gastric emptying patterns in very premature infants vary with postnatal age and feeding tolerance. Understanding these differences can inform better feeding strategies for these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Physiology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Premature infants often experience feeding difficulties.
- Gastric emptying is crucial for nutrient absorption and growth in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gastric emptying patterns in very premature infants.
- To assess changes in gastric emptying with advancing postnatal age.
- To correlate gastric emptying with feeding tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound measurements of gastric antral cross-sectional area in 32 very premature infants.
- Assessment of gastric emptying parameters including time to maximal distention and half-antral clearance.
- Studies conducted at different postnatal ages and feeding statuses.
Main Results:
- Delayed gastric emptying observed initially in both feeding-tolerant and intolerant infants.
- Significant differences in gastric emptying times between feeding-tolerant and intolerant groups.
- All infants demonstrated mature gastric emptying patterns by 32 weeks corrected age.
Conclusions:
- Distinct gastric emptying patterns exist in very premature infants.
- Postnatal age and feeding tolerance significantly influence gastric emptying.
- These findings support the development of individualized feeding strategies.