[Factors associated to oral feeding transition in preterm infants].
BACKGROUND
Oral feeding is one of the most complicated tasks for a preterm infant to achieve.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the factors associated with the start and extension (time) of oral feeding transition in preterm infants.


METHODS
40 preterm infants born with gestational ages of 34 weeks and 6 days maximum.


RESULTS
Pulmonary, cardiac, hematological medical complications and the presence of infection present statistically significant relation to the start and extension of oral feeding transition in preterm infants.


CONCLUSIONS
The speech-pathologist who works at Neonatal Care Units should have the knowledge about the factors that interfere in the ability of preterm infants to be orally fed, so that the assistance given by this professional is more efficient and secure.
Bühler
Karina Elena Bernardis
KE
Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo. kabuhler@uol.com.br
Limongi
Suelly Cecília Olivan
SC
D001724:Birth Weight; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology*; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D013391:Sucking Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors