Analysis of Factors Influencing Full Oral Feeding Acquisition in Very Preterm Infants

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating oral disorders in extremely premature infants born before 29 weeks, focusing on the age at which these infants achieve full oral feeding without the need for tube feeding. The study aims to understand the development of oral skills in this population, as oral disorders can lead to delayed feeding autonomy and longer hospital stays, impacting psychomotor and cognitive development. It also seeks to identify risk factors for delayed oral feeding and calculate the incidence of oral feeding disorders up to 24 months of age. The study monitors infants admitted to a neonatal unit where a daily tactile stimulation protocol of orality is applied by nurses and physiotherapists to support the development of oral skills. This protocol involves stroking cheeks and peri-oral and intra-oral areas to encourage oral feeding autonomy. The study is observational and focuses on infants born between 2018 and 2021 who received this care approach during their hospital stay. Participants will be followed from birth until they reach full oral feeding autonomy, with the main measurement being the corrected gestational age at this time, observed up to two months. Researchers will also analyze risk factors for delayed oral feeding and track oral feeding disorders over a longer term. Data collection includes monitoring feeding progress and hospital discharge details, with participant involvement ending when oral feeding autonomy is achieved or after 24 months for disorder incidence assessment.

Acquisition of Full Oral Feeding and Further Oral Disorders in Extremely Preterm Infants