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Effect of feed interval and feed type on splanchnic haemodynamics
A J Lane1, R C Coombs, D H Evans
1Department of Neonatology, Jessop Hospital for Women, Sheffield.
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|November 3, 1998
Summary
Hourly enteral feeding in preterm infants maintains high superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow. Feeding frequency and composition significantly impact SMA blood flow velocity responses.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Gastrointestinal blood flow
- Pediatric nutrition
Background:
- Enteral feeding is crucial for preterm infant growth.
- Understanding splanchnic blood flow dynamics is vital for optimizing feeding strategies.
- Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive tool to assess blood flow velocity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of enteral feeding regimens on splanchnic blood flow velocity in preterm infants.
- To analyze the influence of feeding frequency and feed composition on superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal Doppler ultrasound measurements of coeliac axis and SMA blood flow velocity.
- Study included a cohort of 61 preterm infants.
- Comparison of feeding every 1 hour versus every 3 hours.
Main Results:
- Hourly feeding resulted in significantly higher preprandial SMA peak systolic velocity (PSV) compared to 3-hourly feeding.
- Infants fed hourly showed no postprandial change, while 3-hourly fed infants exhibited significant postprandial hyperemia.
- Expressed breast milk led to longer latency and smaller amplitude hyperemia compared to preterm formula in 3-hourly fed infants.
Conclusions:
- Continuous hourly bolus feeding induces a sustained hyperemic state in the SMA.
- The composition of enteral feeds significantly influences the postprandial SMA blood flow response in preterm infants fed 3-hourly.