Clinical observation of the early enteral feeding in very low birth weight

Objectives To investigate the effects of early minimal enteral feeding on growth and development,maturation of the gastrointestinal function,feeding complications in very low birth weight infants(VLBWI),and provide the basis of early minimal enteral feeding in VLBWI. Methods The study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Feb. 2005 to Feb. 2006. 29 infants who met the entry criteria were randomly assigned to two groups(early feeding group and late feeding group). No significant difference in gene- ral condition and complication between two groups. The parameters including growth and development,tolerance to enteral feedings,serum gastrin and motilin concentrations,electrogastrography, gastrointestinal motility,SMA haemodynamics, and stomach-esophagus stream were monitored. Results There were no significant difference in development,time to full enteral feeds,parenteral nutrition time and hospitalization duration between two groups. In early feeding group,enteral feeding tolerance was significantly enhanced,serum motilin concentrations were enhanced on day 7 and day 14 after birth,electrogastrography type was more mature on day 28,complete passage of meconium time was shorter,and complete passage of coccinellin time was shorter on day 28. No statistic difference could be found in SMA haemodynamics. Also,no significant difference in serum gastrin concentrations. Conclusions Our initial study indicates that early minimal enteral feeding can enhance the maturation of the small intestine function,lessen feeding intolerance(including reduce feeding complications,enhance serum motilin concentrations,enhance maturation of gastric electric control activity,enhance gastrointestinal motility).