Abstract
CNGI was evaluated as an alternative to transpyloric or intravenous feeding. Forty three consecutive infants weighing less than 1251 grams were fed Similac PM 60/40 24 cal/ounce or breast milk by the intragastric route: 3 by intermittent gavage and 40 by CNGI. Three infants on CNGI died from respiratory disease in the first week of life. Of the remaining 37 infants, 2 developed intermittent non-specific abdominal distension and 35 remained asymptomatic. Mean fluid and caloric intakes of the 35 asymptomatic infants were 132 ± 20 ml/kg/day and 99 ± 20 cal/kg/day on the fifth day of feeding and 166 ± 18 ml/kg/day and 133 ± 19 cal/kg/day on the tenth day of feeding. Thirty one infants gained weight as expected from the Dancis Growth Curves. None of the 37 infants developed necrotizing enterocolitis or aspiration pneumonia. There was no difference in fluid or caloric intake or symptoms between those infants on respirators (n=19) and those not on ventilatory support (n=18). Four infants on respirators failed to grow adequately despite receiving at least 120 cal/kg/day, suggesting an increased caloric requirement rather than a failure in technique. This experience demonstrated that CNGI is an effective and safe method of feeding even the seriously ill VLBW infant; transpyloric and intravenous alimentation are rarely required.
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Pearlman, M., Hobbs, J. & Gartner, L. 456 CONTINUOUS NASOGASTRIC INFUSION (CNGI): A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE WAY TO FEED THE VLBW INFANT. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 439 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00461
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00461