Abolition of feeding intolerance following ophthalmologic examination of neonates.

Administration of mydriatic medication and ophthalmologic examination have previously been associated with feeding intolerance, characterized by large retained gastric aspirates and abdominal distention. In an attempt to eliminate this problem, we instituted a policy of withholding feedings for four hours following ophthalmologic examination. A prospective series of 50 consecutive patients was then followed to determine the incidence of feeding intolerance 24 hours prior to and 24 hours following the examination. All infants had received cyclopentolate hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride prior to the examination. A critical review of the nursing notes revealed no increased incidence in feeding intolerance during the 24-hour period following examination. There were no cases of necrotizing enterocolitis during either period. This study provides evidence that the incidence of feeding intolerance following ophthalmologic examinations might be reduced by withholding feeding for four hours after the examinations.