Effects Of Not Measuring Gastric Residual Content On Feeding Tolerance In Premature Infants iNFANTS

Effects Of Not Measuring Gastric Residuals Prior To Enteral Bolus Feeding On Gastrointestinal Function And Feeding Tolerance In Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Omitting evaluation of gastric residual contents prior to feeding very premature infants will increase the feeding intake at 2 weeks, and total caloric intake and growth by 3 weeks, as well as decrease the time required for parenteral nutrition.

Infants were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 had no gastric residuals evaluated prior to feeding. Group 2 had gastric residuals evaluated prior to feeding. Nutritional outcomes were compared between groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Gestational age less than 32 weeks,
• Birth weight less than or equal to 1250 grams,
• Initial feeding tolerated within 48 hours of life

Exclusion Criteria:

• Congenital or chromosomal disorders,
• Severe complications leading to death in the first week of life