Publication:

Mode of gavage feeding: does it really matters

Background The establishment of safe oral feeding in preterm or low birth weight infants may be delayed because of poor co-ordination of sucking and swallowing, neurological immaturity and respiratory distress. Enteral feeds may be delivered through a catheter (feeding tube) passed via the nose or via the mouth. This study was planned to compare oro-gastric and naso-gastric route for placing feeding tube to see duration to achieve full feeding.

Methods The study was conducted in in-patient of SCNU (Sick Newborn Care Unit) of Department of Paediatrics. All patients (200 newborns) in the study were randomly enrolled in groups as per gestational weeks between 28-34 weeks by using New Ballard Scoring (NBS) chart at the time of admission.

Results The mean duration to achieve full feeding either by direct breast feeding or cup feeding in oro-gastric and naso-gastric tube groups are (6.18±0.61) and (6.47±0.59) days respectively. This study will help in the individualization of the mode of gavage feeding in various institutions across the country.

Conclusions In the present study the episodes of non-intentional removal and displacement are more in OGT group and it is statistically significant (p = 0.012 and p <0.0001 respectively). The episodes of feed intolerance are more.