Superior Mesenteric Artery Blood Flow in Parenterally Fed Versus Enterally Fed Preterm Infants.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flow in premature infants with parenteral and enteral nutrition.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 2 groups of preterm infants with gestational age of 280/7 to 366/7 weeks: group 1 did not qualify for early enteral feeds and received parenteral nutrition (PN), and group 2 received early enteral feeding. SMA peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and pulsatility index (PI) were measured using Doppler ultrasound before starting feeds at day 1 and at day 5.