Early total enteral feeding in stable preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (3rd May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alshaikh, Belal; Dharel, Dinesh; Yusuf, Kamran; Singhal, Nalini
• Is Part Of: Journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 34:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 1479
• Page End: 1486
• Publication Date: 2021-05-03
• Subjects: Early feeding -- feeding intolerance -- necrotizing enterocolitis -- preterm infant -- VLBW; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1637848
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7058

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate safety and feasibility of early total enteral feeding (ETEF) in stable preterm infants. Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and feeding intolerance between ETEF and slow rates of enteral feed advancement. Results: Four trials involving 393 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with birth weight >1000–1200 g were included. Meta-analyses did not show statistical difference in risks for NEC (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.19–3.98) and feeding intolerance (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.39–1.59). ETEF resulted in lower risk of late-onset sepsis (RR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.30–0.61). Length of hospital stay was reduced in ETEF (mean difference −1.31 days, 95% CI: −1.54 to −1.07). Conclusions: ETEF appears to be safe and feasible in stable VLBW infants with birth weight >1000–1200 g. A large randomized trial is needed to confirm benefits.