Comparison of 2-h versus 3-h enteral feeding in extremely low birth weight infants, commencing after birth.

AIM: 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.

CONCLUSION

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.