Demographic and clinical predictors and inter-center variability of tube feeding in preterm NICU patients.

OBJECTIVES

Investigate demographic and clinical factors and inter-center variability associated with home NGT versus GT in preterm infants.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of preterm infants in the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database discharged home with a NGT or GT between 2015-2020. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the independent relationship between infant characteristics and feeding modality. Bivariate analysis evaluated inter-center variability.

RESULTS

3521 preterm infants discharged with tube feedings (NGT 39%; GT 61%). Hispanic infants (AOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.15, 2.14) and SGA infants (AOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02, 1.6) were more likely to receive GT feedings. Privately insured infants had decreased likelihood of receiving GT (AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.45, 0.72). Infants discharged with NGT had shorter hospital stays (70[34,111] vs. 86 [39,138] days, p < 0.01). Significant inter-center variability among sites exists.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in tube feeding at discharge were noted by infant race and ethnicity, SGA status, and insurance type.