Abstract
Background and aims: Apnoea of prematurity (AOP) is a frequent clinical issue in the management of preterm infants; its relationship with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is widely debated. In a previous study we highlighted an increase of the frequency of AOP after GER (GER-induced AOP). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of an amylopectin-thickened formula specifically designed for preterm infants on AOP and on GER-induced AOP.
Materials and Methods: Eighteen preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks) with recurrent apnoeas underwent a six-hours simultaneous and synchronized recording of polysomnography and pH-impedance monitoring (pH-MII). Each oral/nasal flow cessation lasting at least 5 seconds was considered as apnoea. Apnoeas detected within 30 seconds after the onset of GER were defined as GER-induced. Each patient received 2 meals, one of preterm formula (PF) and the other of a thickened formula specifically designed to satisfy preterm infants' nutritional needs (TPF). AOP and GER-induced AOP detected after PF and TPF meals were compared.
Results: One-hundred-twenty-seven apnoeas were recorded after TPF (mean 5/patient, range 0-21), whereas 118 apnoeas were recorded after PF (mean 4.5, range 0-27). A lower number of GER-induced AOP was detected after TPF meals (3 vs 7 after PF meals).
Conclusions: Preliminary results of the present study show that a thickened formula specifically designed for preterm infants is ineffective in reducing the total number of AOP, while it could be beneficial on GER-induced AOP. Further data from a larger population are needed to confirm these results.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Spizzichino, M., Corvaglia, L., Zama, D. et al. Effect of a Thickened Formula Specifically Designed for Preterm Infants on Apnoeas Induced by Gastroesophageal Reflux. Pediatr Res 70 (Suppl 5), 785 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.1010
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.1010