The Usefulness of the Evaluation of Gastric Residuals in Premature Infants

Purpose The routine evaluation of gastric residuals (RGR) is considered standard care for premature infants. This study evaluated the usefulness of RGR in premature infants. Methods The study retrospectively investigated 208 premature infants (gestational aged under 34 weeks) who underwent gavage feeding in a neonatal intensive care unit at a tertiary hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: RGR (n=104) and no-RGR (n=104). Those in the no-RGR group had their gastric residuals checked only if signs of feeding intolerance were present. Clinical outcomes, including the time to reach full enteral feeding (FEF) and the incidences of gastrointestinal disorders such as feeding intolerance (FI) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), were compared. Data were analyzed with SPSS ver. 21, using a Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared test, and Fisher’s exact test. Results There was no statistically significant difference for the time to FEF (z=-0.61, p =.541), incidence of FI (X2=0.38, p =.540), and NEC (X2=1.42, p =.234) between the two groups. Conclusion No-RGR did not increase the risk for FI or NEC. These results suggest that RGR evaluation may not improve nutritional outcomes in premature infants. Recommendations for further research and practice guidelines will be provided. Key Words: Premature birth, Enteral nutrition, Gastric residuals, Feeding intolerance, Enterocolitis; Necrotizing 주요어: 미숙아, 장관영양, 위 잔류, ìˆ˜ìœ ë¶ˆë‚´ì„±, 괴사성 장염