Long-term Neurodevelopmental Assessment in Preterm Infants with Early Full Enteral Feeding and Weight Gain Rates

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine whether there is a relationship between neurodevelopmental outcomes with transition into early full enteral feeding and weight gain rates in preterm infants. Methods: Evaluated infants' gestational ages were less than 32 weeks, birth weights were between 800 and 1.200 grams, and corrected ages were 24th months. Patients were divided into two groups, of those with transition into full enteral feeding in less than two weeks (group E) and those with transition into full enteral feeding in longer than two weeks (group L). Two additional groups were also compared, of those with weight gain rates above 10 g/day (group 1) and below 10 g/day (group 2), in the first month of life. Differentiations in neurodevelopment scores [mental development index (MDI), psychomotor development index (PDI)] were evaluated. Results: The total number of assessed infants was 330. Among them, 137 were in group E and 134 were in group L. MDI comparison was 69 and 62, respectively. The PDI comparison was 79 and 73, respectively. Compared with group 1 (n=120), lower MDI and PDI were detected in group 2 (n=110). Accordingly, both factors of late transition into full enteral feeding and low daily weight gain rate were associated with neurodevelopmental impairment. With respect to weight gain, the RR was 2.26 (1.15-4.43), p=0.018. With respect to transition into full enteral feeding, the RR was 3.46 (1.84-6.49), p=0.001. Conclusion: In the early period of life, feeding difficulties and weight gain rates of preterm infants must be monitored delicately. Nutritional difficulties constitute a negative influence on neurodevelopment.

Keywords

• newborn
• preterm infants
• early enteral feeding
• early weight gain
• neurodevelopmental outcomes