Abstract
NGTs are known to increase the airway resistance acutely in preterm infants. We hypothesized that infants adapt to the indwelling NGT by altering their breathing strategy. We studied 18 preterm infants BW 1110±248 gms, GA 29.3±1.8 wks at a postnatal age of 29.4±15 days and body wt. 1476±167 gms. Pulm. mechanics and energetics were measured with a pneumocach and esophageal balloon and metabolic rates were measured by indirect calorimetry. Measurements were obtained prior to and 6, 12, 24, and 48 hrs. after (5 Fr) NGT.
Our results indicate that there is a significant increase In VO2, Rs, Work of breathing, Ti, after NGT and these changes persist even at 48 hrs after NGT. There is a 19% increase in Ti (insp. time) and 100% increase in resistance. VO2 increased by 20% and has a direct correlation to Ti. We speculate that VLBW infants respond to Insp. load (NGT) by Increasing Ti which leads to higher VO2. Infants who develop apnea probably are not able to adapt to this. These results have implications in the feeding practice of VLBW infants.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sasidharan, P., Billman, D., Nelin, L. et al. 204 ADAPTIVE RESPONSE OF VLBW INFANTS TO INDWELLING NASOGASTRIC TUBE (NGT). Pediatr Res 36, 36 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00204
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00204