Journal
DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND CHILD NEUROLOGY
Volume 42, Issue 4, Pages 235-239Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1017/S0012162200000402
Keywords
-
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The increased survival of sick and preterm neonates may be associated with long-term problems which must be recognised and managed if outcome is to be optimised. In a prospective study of 35 neonates (median gestational age at birth 34 weeks) admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit over a 3-month period, we have documented a high incidence (14 of 35) of immature or abnormal feeding patterns when infants were assessed at 38 to 40 weeks postmenstrual age. Neonates with prolonged respiratory support and delayed enteral and oral feeding were most affected. compared with neonates who have normal initial feeding assessments, neonates with disorganised or dysfunctional feeding were six times more likely to vomit and three times more likely to cough when offered solid food at 6 months of age. At 12 months of age significant differences were also found in tolerating lumpy food and enjoying mealtimes. We hypothesise that these feeding problems contribute to failure to thrive and psychosocial distress after discharge from the neonatal unit and propose potential neonatal measures to reduce their incidence.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available