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Randomized trial of earlier versus later oral feeding in very premature infants

Journal of Perinatology volume 38, pages 687–692 (2018)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objectives

To ascertain if earlier oral feeding initiation results in earlier attainment of full oral feedings/hospital discharge in very premature infants.

Study design

Eligible infants born at <29 weeks’ gestation were randomized at 30 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA) to initiate oral feedings at 30 weeks’ PMA (Earlier Oral Feeding Group) versus 33 weeks’ PMA (Later Oral Feeding Group).

Results

Thirty-four infants were randomized to the Earlier Oral Feeding Group and 32 to the Later Oral Feeding Group. There were no significant differences in our primary outcomes of PMA at full oral feedings (mean difference –0.5 weeks, 95% CI: –2.2 to +1.2 weeks) or hospital discharge (mean difference –0.2 weeks, 95% CI: –1.8 to +1.4 weeks).

Conclusions

Initiating oral feeding attempts in very premature infants at 30 weeks’ PMA does not result in earlier attainment of full oral feedings or discharge but is safe for infants who are not severely tachypneic or receiving positive pressure.

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Funding

Richard Warren Mithoff Professorship in Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Ann Gerges, Polina Gelfer & Kathleen Kennedy

  2. Department of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA

    Ann Gerges, Polina Gelfer & Kathleen Kennedy

Authors
  1. Ann Gerges
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  2. Polina Gelfer
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  3. Kathleen Kennedy
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ann Gerges.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Gerges, A., Gelfer, P. & Kennedy, K. Randomized trial of earlier versus later oral feeding in very premature infants. J Perinatol 38, 687–692 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0058-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0058-2

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