How to Optimize Enteral Feeding of the Full Enteral Feeding Preterm Infant

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

Very low-birth-weight premature infants (VLBWs) are fed via nasal or oro-gastric tube for a long time because of the physiological inability to coordinate swallowing, sucking, and breathing until at least 34 weeks of gestational age.

Both bolus and continuous feeding modes are widely described in the literature; both modes have specific risks and benefits, and there is no evidence in the literature as to which mode is best in terms of tolerance and adverse effects.

To date, the characteristics of enteral feeding that are associated with better feeding tolerance and fewer adverse effects have not been uniquely documented.

There are currently no data in the literature directly comparing different modes of enteral feeding tube management in the preterm VLBW infant. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate different modes of enteral feeding tube management (extemporaneous vs. permanent introduction/removal and oral vs. nasal introduction route) in order to optimize enteral feeding management of the VLBW infant.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Evaluate the tolerance to intermittent gastric tube placement versus permanent gastric tube maintenance in Very Low Birth Weight preterm infants who have achieved full enteral feeding — From the 1st patient enrolled, up to 50th patient enrolled
  tolerance of intermittent gastric tube placement versus permanent gastric tube maintenance in preterm VLBW infants

Trial sites (1)

More IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna trials in Italy

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