Postdischarge feeding patterns in early- and late-preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of postdischarge feeding dysfunction and hospital/subspecialty visits for feeding problems during the first year of life in late (34 to 36 6/7 weeks) and early-preterm (25 to 33 6/7 weeks) infants.

METHODS

In this prospective study, the authors sent questionnaires to parents of early (n = 319) and late (n = 571) preterm infants at 3, 6, and 12 months corrected age. Parents' perceptions of infants' feeding skills, comfort with feeding, and hospital/subspecialty visits for feeding difficulties were obtained. Results were analyzed with χ(2) tests and Spearman's correlations.

RESULTS

Early preterms had more oromotor dysfunction at 3 (29% vs 17%) and 12 months (7% vs 4%) and more avoidant feeding behavior at 3 months (33% vs 29%). In both groups, oromotor dysfunction and avoidant feeding behavior improved over time. Frequency of poor appetite and hospitalization/subspecialty visits were similar.

CONCLUSION

Pediatricians should screen all preterm infants for feeding dysfunction during the first year.