Controlled Study of Transpyloric and Intermittent Gavage Feeding in the Small Preterm Infant

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Abstract
There were 53 appropriate for gestational age infants with a birth weight of < 1700 g admitted to a children''s hospital who were randomly assigned to 2 groups for gavage or transpyloric (nasojejunal) feedings. The 2 groups were not significantly different in terms of gestational age, birth weight and morbidity. No significant differences were observed for caloric intake after 4 days of age, growth parameters (weight, length and head circumference), serum total protein levels, feeding-related complications, duration of i.v. fluid supplementation and length of hospitalization. Intermittent gastric gavage feedings apparently are as efficacious as transpyloric feedings in supplying nutrition to the low birth weight infant. Because of inherently greater risks, costs, radiation and requisite personnel expertise, transpyloric feedings cannot be recommended as a routine method of feeding for the low birth weight infant.