Background: We studied the effects of gestational age (GA) and intra-uterine or post-natale hypoxia on first feed mesenteric adaptation in premature infants.

Study type: Prospective cohort study in a tertiary neonatal service

Patients: 34 newborn: GA less than 32 weeks - median 30 - mean birthweight 1262 g (820-2200)

Intervention: At a median age of 8 days, superior mesenteric blood flow velocity was assessed by doppler echography before and 30 minutes after 3 to 5 ml/kg of human milk (naso-gastric feeding)

Results:

  • Post prandialy, there was a significant (p < 0,01) increase in mesenteric artery systolic (26%), mean (31%) and diastolic (54%) velocities.

  • Gestational age, intra-uterine growth retardation, acute asphyxia(evaluated by intrapartum monitoring, Apgar score, plasma lactate), early post-natal respiratory distress or hypotension did not influence mesenteric velocities changes.

Conclusion: In very preterm infants, at the end of the post-natal first week, we found a significant mesenteric blood flow increase in response to feeding, independantly of perinatal hypoxia.