Feeding Strategies for Premature Infants: Randomized Trial of Gastrointestinal Priming and Tube-feeding Method

• DOI: 10.1542/peds.103.2.434
• Publication Date: 2004-08-13T23:45:45Z
• Authors: Richard J. Schanler; Robert J. Shulman; Chantal Lau; E. O'Brian Smith; Margaret M. Heitk...
• Keywords: Enteral administration; Bolus (digestion); Gastrointestinal function

Background Data on enteral feeding management of premature infants are limited and often not the subject randomized clinical trials. Several small studies suggest benefits from early initiation feeding, but do assess combined effects time tube-feeding method, type milk used. Either singly or in combination, these treatments may affect growth, bone mineralization, biochemical measures nutritional status, tolerance, and, ultimately, duration hospitalization. Methods. A total 171 infants, stratified by gestational age (26 to 30 weeks) diet (human preterm formula) were assigned randomly among four treatment combinations a balanced two-way design comparing presence absence gastrointestinal (GI) priming for 10 days continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus tube-feeding. Results. The major outcome, required attain full oral was similar treatments. GI associated with any measured adverse effect better calcium phosphorus retention, higher serum alkaline phosphatase activity, shorter intestinal transit times. method significantly less intolerance greater rate weight gain than method. In addition, quantity human fed, lower morbidity. Conclusions. Early milk, using provide best advantage infant.