Factors Associated with Time to Full Feeds in Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

Background: Feeding intolerance prolongs time to full feeds (TFFs) in preterm infants. We studied factors associated with TFF in preterm infants on standardized feeding regimen (SFR) and routine probiotic supplementation (RPS).

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of preterm infants ≤1500 g. Pearson's correlation, Mann-Whitney test and multivariate analysis were used.

Results: In total, 37 of 304 admitted infants died before reaching full feeds. Median (interquartile range) gestation, birth weight and TFF were 31.4 (30-33.05) weeks, 1210 (1066-1400) g and 11 (8-15) days, respectively. Gestation and birthweight were inversely correlated with TFF, whereas low Apgar's, sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and respiratory distress syndrome were directly correlated with TFF. Growth-restricted infants had significantly shorter TFF vs. appropriate for gestational age infants, probably because of higher gestation. On multivariate analysis gestation, sepsis and PDA were significant predictors of TFF.

Conclusion: In preterm infants managed with SFR and RPS, gestation had inverse correlation with TFF, whereas sepsis and PDA had direct correlation with TFF.