Prediction of nutritive sucking in preterm babies (<34 weeks) and preterm sucking readiness scale

OBJECTIVE: To determine predictors of nutritive-sucking in babies < 34 weeks and estimate the appropriate preterm sucking readiness (PTSR) score as an indicator of readiness of nutritive-sucking. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal observational study conducted in Neonatal unit of a referral hospital attached to Medical College. Forty-nine inborn babies of 28-34 weeks’ gestation and on full gavage feeds were enrolled. RESULTS: (a) Nutritive-sucking was achieved at a median age of 14 days (Range 7–50). (b) Low birth weight (LBW) (< 1531.1 ± 142.8) and lesser gestational age (GA) (< 32.8 ± 1) were poor predictors (p < 0.05) and have a significant independent negative association (Correlation birth weight (BW) - 0.0222, GA − 2.2177) with age at which established nutritive-sucking was achieved. (c) PTSR score of ≥9 had the best prediction for achievement of nutritive-sucking at 14-days of life, with a sensitivity of 92.3% and specificity of 100%. CONCLUSION: PTSR score is a sensitive and specific tool to predict the readiness for nutritive-sucking in preterm babies < 34 weeks.