Impact of early trophic feeding versus delayed initiation of feeding in very preterm, very low birth weight babies on incidence of sepsis

Dr Ranjith P K; Dr Ashly Shaji

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2019

Impact of early trophic feeding versus delayed initiation of feeding in very preterm, very low birth weight babies on incidence of sepsis

Dr Ranjith P K, Dr Ashly Shaji

Abstract :

OBJECTIVE; The objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of feed introduction and feed advancement on the rate of sepsis and duration of NICU stay DESIGN ;Prospective, hospital based, observational study SETTING; Tertiary referral centre with level 3 neonatal care. Study period was one year, from June 1st 2017 to May 31st 2018 and included a total of 102 neonates (preterm babies <= 32 weeks gestational age and birth weight <= 1500 grams) who were admitted in neonatal intensive care unit RESULTS; Out of the 102 preterm neonates included in the study , 37 babies had sepsis (probable sepsis + culture proven sepsis = 36.2%). Mean gestational age in the study population was 29.9 weeks (SD = 2.02) and mean birth weight was 1220.75 gm (SD=241.09). In the late feeding group , 22 out of 35 babies (62.8% ) had sepsis whereas in early feeding group , 15 out of 67 babies (22.38%) had sepsis. Among the late feeders , 5 out of 35 babies died (14.28%) whereas only 1 baby out of 67 early feeders did not survive (1.49%). CONCLUSON; Early introduction of enteral feeds in very preterm , very low birth weight babies resulted in decreased incidence of sepsis. This, in turn , has decreased duration of hospital stay and improved survival