Optimizing Enteral Feeding Tube Management in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants Evaluating Intermittent vs. Permanent Gastric Tube Use

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to optimize feeding practices for very low-birth-weight (VLBW) premature infants who have reached full enteral feeding. These infants typically need feeding tubes due to difficulty coordinating swallowing, sucking, and breathing until at least 34 weeks of gestational age. The study focuses on comparing different gastric tube management methods, as there is currently no clear evidence on which approach leads to better feeding tolerance and fewer adverse effects. The study evaluates intermittent gastric tube placement versus permanent gastric tube maintenance in VLBW preterm infants fed exclusively with human milk. It also examines the impact of the tube being introduced either orally or nasally. Key factors assessed include gastric stagnation episodes, cardio-respiratory events like desaturation or bradycardia, and signs of pain or discomfort linked to tube insertion and removal during bolus feeding. Participants will be monitored for their tolerance to the different feeding tube management methods. Researchers will record feeding tolerance, adverse effects, and related symptoms during feeding. The study involves close observation of feeding-related events and discomfort to determine the best practices for managing feeding tubes in these vulnerable infants.

How to Optimize Enteral Feeding of the Full Enteral Feeding Preterm Infant