Feasibility of exclusive enteral feeds from birth in VLBW infants >1200 g – an RCT. (29th April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sanghvi, Kishore P; Joshi, Pooja; Nabi, Fazal; Kabra, Nandkishor
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 102:Number 7(2013:Jul.)
• Page Start: e299
• Page End: e304
• Publication Date: 2013-04-29
• Subjects: Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.12254
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="apa12254-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="apa12254-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>To evaluate the feasibility of initiation of exclusive enteral feeds on first day of life in very low birthweight infants >1200 g.</p> </sec> <sec id="apa12254-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Haemodynamically stable infants with birthweights 1200–1500 g irrespective of gestational age were randomized into two groups. Study group: Enteral feeds 80 mL/kg/day started within 1 h of birth and increased by 20 mL/kg/day to 180 mL/kg/day. No intravenous fluids given. Control group: Intravenous fluids 50 mL/kg/day started along with enteral feeds 30 mL/kg/day within 1 h of birth and increased by 20 mL/kg/day to 180 mL/kg/day. The outcome measures were – primary: time to regain birthweight and secondary: duration of hospital stay, incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis.</p> </sec> <sec id="apa12254-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Twenty three babies randomized in each group. Infants in study group regained birthweight earlier [mean 5.52 days, SD ± 2.94] compared to those in control group [mean 12.7 days, SD ± 2.25] (p < 0.0001). Duration of hospital stay was lower in study group [mean 15.04 days, SD ± 5.26] compared to those in control group [mean 28.04 days, SD ± 6.76] (p < 0.0001). No necrotizing enterocolitis detected.</p> </sec> <sec id="apa12254-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>It is feasible to initiate exclusive enteral feeds from first day of life in stable infants with birthweight between 1200 and 1500 g without any parenteral fluid support. It leads to twice as faster regaining of birthweight and halves duration of hospital stay.</p> </sec> </abstract>