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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
61
Infants will not receive routine gastric residual evaluation prior to feeding.
UF & Shands Hospital
Gainesville, Florida, United States
Amount of feeding intake at 2 weeks
Time frame: Baseline to 2 weeks
Days to 120 mL/kg/d of enteral feedings
Time frame: Baseline to approximately 21 days
Days of parenteral nutrition
Time frame: Baseline to approximately 21 days
Incidence of late onset sepsis
Time frame: Baseline to approximately 90 days
Weekly or biweekly liver function tests
Direct bilirubin
Time frame: Baseline to 42 days
Growth indices
Weight, length and head circumference
Time frame: Baseline to approximately 90 days
Length of hospital stay
Time frame: Baseline to approximately 90 days
Incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis
Time frame: Baseline to approximately 90 days
Days requiring a central venous line
Time frame: Baseline to approximately 21 days
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