Multicentre prospective observational study of feeding practices in 30–33 weeks preterm infants

• Published in: BMJ paediatrics open Vol. 1; no. 1; p. e000040
• Main Authors: Kwok, TC, Dorling, Jon, Ojha, Shalini
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group LTD 01.07.2017; BMJ Publishing Group
• Subjects: Audit departments; Babies; Birth weight; Breastfeeding & lactation; Enteral nutrition; Gestational age; Newborn babies; Nutrition; Observational studies; Original; Pediatrics; Premature babies; Sepsis; Ventilators; United Kingdom > UK; infant feeding; neonatology; nutrition
• ISSN: 2399-9772; 2399-9772
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2017-000040

BackgroundCurrent evidence supports progressive feeding in preterm infants. Due to lower necrotising enterocolitis risk, recent studies suggest starting total enteral feeding from birth in 30–33 weeks preterm infants. The feasibility of this practice is unclear.AimExplore feeding practices in 30–33 weeks preterm infants.DesignProspective, multicentre, observational study recruiting 10 consecutive 30–33 weeks preterm infants from each of the eight UK hospitals.ResultsEighty infants received their first feed at median of 24 hours, achieving total enteral (without intravenous nutrition) and full feeds (≥150 ml/kg/day) at median of 5 and 8 days, respectively. Eleven infants who achieved total enteral feeding within 24 hours after birth achieved full feeds earlier (p=0.02) with shorter hospital stay (p=0.009) but were also of older gestation (p=0.004).ConclusionCurrent early feeding approaches in 30–33 weeks preterm infants were found to be conservative. Total enteral feeding from birth is possible in these infants but further studies are needed.