Nutritive Sucking Patterns in Premature Infants

Nutritive Sucking Patterns in Premature Infants: A Randomized Trial

In this pilot trial, the investigators will determine the feasibility of monitoring nutritive sucking patterns to facilitate the transition from tube to oral feeding in extremely-low-birth weight (ELBW) infants

In this parallel-group randomized controlled trial, ELBW infants (birthweight < 1000 grams) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either weekly reporting on objective measurements of sucking activity during oral feeding (intervention group) or usual care without information on sucking activity (control group).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Birthweight < 1000 grams
• Gestational age < 32 weeks of gestation
• Full enteral feeding established before or on postnatal day 21
• Oral feeding initiated before or at 33 weeks of postmenstrual age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major congenital/chromosomal anomalies
• Patent ductus arteriosus causing significant cardiovascular symptoms
• History of necrotizing enterocolitis stage 2 or greater