Multicentre prospective observational study of feeding practices in 30–33 weeks preterm infants

BACKGROUND: Current evidence supports progressive feeding in preterm infants. Due to lower necrotising enterocolitis risk, recent studies suggest starting total enteral feeding from birth in 30–33 weeks preterm infants. The feasibility of this practice is unclear. AIM: Explore feeding practices in 30–33 weeks preterm infants. DESIGN: Prospective, multicentre, observational study recruiting 10 consecutive 30–33 weeks preterm infants from each of the eight UK hospitals. RESULTS: Eighty infants received their first feed at median of 24 hours, achieving total enteral (without intravenous nutrition) and full feeds (≥150 ml/kg/day) at median of 5 and 8 days, respectively. Eleven infants who achieved total enteral feeding within 24 hours after birth achieved full feeds earlier (p=0.02) with shorter hospital stay (p=0.009) but were also of older gestation (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Current early feeding approaches in 30–33 weeks preterm infants were found to be conservative. Total enteral feeding from birth is possible in these infants but further studies are needed.