Abstract
The use of pacifiers(NNS) during gavage(NG) feeding may be important for the feeding of small premature infants. Thus, transition to total nipple(po) feeding, caloric intake, intestinal motility and wt.gain/wk. were studied in 20 stable, gavage fed AGA infants (birth wt.<1500gms). Infants were matched for birth wt., diet and gest. age and then randomized into 2 groups. One group only received a pacifier prior to and during NG feeding(NNS), the control group received no pacifier. All results are in (avg±SD). The NNS group required less time to complete their first nipple feeding (6.4±2.1 vs. 10.4±4.3 min/oz. (p <.05) and a shorter transition to total po feeding(10±2.7 vs. 16±6.8 days,p<.02). In NNS, intestinal transit time determined by Carmine red in stool was shorter (12.3±3.8 vs. 32.5±7.8 hrs.p<.01) and stools more frequent (2.8±0.6 vs. 1.9±0.4/day,p < .01). After 1 week, NNS infants demonstrated a greater % weight gain/wk. (10.6%±2.5 vs. 6.8%±1.8, p<.01) which persisted until discharge despite comparable daily caloric intake (115±4 vs. 117±5 cal/kg/day,NS).
Conclusion: Nonnutritive sucking in premature infants shortens time for completion of initial, and transition to total, nipple feeding as well as gastrointestinal transit time. The finding of an increased weight gain in the NNS group suggests that its use may influence nutrient absorption or energy expenditure and thus, be an important factor to consider in feeding premature infants.
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Bernbaum, J., Pereira, G., Watkins, J. et al. 1247 ENHANCED GROWTH AND GASTROINTESTINAL FUNCTION IN PREMATURE INFANTS GIVEN NONNUTRITIVE SUCKING(NNS). Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 650 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01274
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01274