Abstract
An exploratory study of the effects of gavage feedings upon neonatal ECG, heart and respiratory rates was carried out in 8 healthy, asymptomatic, low birth weight infants (b. wt. 885–1, 605 g; gestation ages 28–26 weeks). Enrollment ages ranged from 3 to 27 days. Data were collected by attaching four silver electrodes to the chest wall and connecting them to a prototype system providing meter display and strip chart recordings of heart and respiratory rates and oscilloscopic display of ECG; data were also recorded on magnetic tape. 48 feedings were studied; 6 per infant. A no.5 feeding tube marked at one inch intervals was passed through the nostril or mouth; feedings were given by the push method. ECG, heart and respiratory rates were recorded for a minimum of 20 min before and after gavage. In 21 feedings, heart rate drops greater than 30 were observed when the catheter was passed; in 18 of these, the tube had been inserted only 4 to 6 inches. Feeding volumes (10–15 ml) were given within 30 to 138 sec; heart rate drops from 30 to 110 were observed 13 times with push feedings. One case of bradycardia with heart rate drop greater than 90, of 36 sec duration, occurred p.c. when infant was prone in high Fowler's; this was accompanied by p. wave changes to point of momentary elimination. Apnea of longer than 20 sec, but without heart rate and ECG changes, was observed in two babies in association with bowel movements. The interesting clinical observations noted in these patients suggest that the cardio-respiratory responses of small infants can be altered markedly by widely accepted clinical procedures.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hasselmeyer, E., Hon, E. & Cook, C. Cardio-respiratory Changes Associated with Gavage Feedings. Pediatr Res 4, 472 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197009000-00150
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197009000-00150