Comparison of 2-h versus 3-h enteral feeding in extremely low birth weight infants, commencing after birth.
OBJECTIVE
Immaturity is associated with problems in enteral nutrition of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Different time intervals between single feedings are used; however, no data are available to show a benefit of either regime.


METHODS
In January 2001 enteral feeding regime was changed from 2-h to 3-h intervals. In a retrospective study charts were analysed for all ELBW infants during a period of 2 years prior (01/99-12/00) and after (08/01-07/03) changing the feeding regime.


RESULTS
Forty-two in the 2-h group (gestational age 27 +/- 2.1, birth weight 797 +/-150) and 32 infants in 3-h (GA 26.9 +/- 1.8 weeks, BW 809 +/- 148 g) were included. Median (range) time until complete enteral feeding (26 (7 to 69) vs. 20 (12 to 58) days) was not statistical different. There were no differences with respect to enteral morbidity (NEC, abdominal surgery, feeding intolerance), length of stay (84 +/- 23 vs. 86 +/- 26 days), growth parameters or weight at discharge. Total duration of phototherapy and average length of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) support were significantly (p < 0.01) longer in the 3-h feeding group.


CONCLUSIONS
Weight gain and time until complete enteral nutrition are similar in 2-h and 3-h feeding regimes. Data suggest an advantage of 2-h feedings concerning the length of CPAP and phototherapy.
Rüdiger
Mario
M
Medical University Innsbruck, Department for Pediatrics, Pädiatrie IV-Neonatologie, Austria. mario.ruediger@i-med.ac.at
Herrmann
Sandra
S
Schmalisch
Gerd
G
Wauer
Roland R
RR
Hammer
Hannes
H
Tschirch
Edda
E
D001034:Apgar Score; D015331:Cohort Studies; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007229:Infant Welfare; D052577:Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D015430:Weight Gain