Cue-Based Vs. Clinician-Driven Feeding in Very Low Birthweight Infants

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · Aug 21, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different methods of feeding very low birthweight infants, who weigh less than 1500 grams. In the trial, infants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive feeding based on their individual cues and needs, guided by trained speech therapists and nurses, while the other group will have their feeding plans decided by their doctors based on daily assessments. The goal is to find out which method helps these infants feed better and develop more successfully.

To be eligible for this trial, infants must be between 28 and 31 weeks old at birth and have started oral feeding before they reach 33 weeks of age. However, infants with certain serious health issues, such as major congenital abnormalities or significant heart problems, will not be included in the study. Families whose infants participate can expect to be part of a structured feeding program that could help improve how their baby feeds and grows. This trial is not currently recruiting participants, but it aims to gather important information about feeding practices for very low birthweight infants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • Birthweight \< 1500 grams
• • Gestational age between 28 and 31 weeks of gestation
• • Full enteral feeding established before 32 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA)
• • Oral feeding initiated before 33 weeks PMA.
• Exclusion criteria:
• • Major congenital/chromosomal anomalies,
• • Patent ductus arteriosus causing significant cardiovascular symptoms
• • History of necrotizing enterocolitis stage 2 or greater