Abstract
Previous studies in term neonates have documented a decrease in calf blood flow (CBF) immediately postprandial, followed by hyperdynamic circulatory state 2 to 3 hours later (Pediat 47:378, 1971). The circulatory response to feeding of 24 low birth weight (LBW) infants was investigated at ages 4 to 24 days. Twenty of 24 infants were preterm, mean birth weight (BW), 1323 (SD ± 125G) and gestational age (GA) 33.6 ± 0.65 wks. The remaining 4 were term SGA infants, GA, 38.5 ± 0.5 wks, and BW 1747.5 ± 125G. Feeding consisted of standard formula, with mean amounts of 20 ml/kg in preterm and 30 ml/kg in term infants. The CBF was measured by venous occlusion plethysmographic method 15 to 30 minutes before feeding and ½ hourly for 2 to 3 hrs. postprandial. The calf skin temperature was kept constant throughout the study (mean 35°C). Blood pressure (BP), and pulse rate (PR) were monitored. Preterm infants showed no significant change in their ½ hour postprandial CBF from a control value of 7.04 ml/min/100 ml, while term SGA infants showed a decrease of 33% from 8.88 ml/min/100 ml. The 2½ hr. postprandial CBF in both groups increased by 16 to 30%. There were no significant changes in the PR or BP. It is suggested that unlike the term infant, preterm infants showed no immediate peripheral circulatory response to feeding. This difference may be related to gestational age or the amount of feeding. Although, the studies in term infants showed no correlation to amount of feed.
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Raziuddin, K., Yao, A. & Yoon, J. 151 CIRCULATORY RESPONSE TO FEEDING IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 389 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00156
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00156