EARLY DISCHARGE OF PRETERM INFANTS ON GAVAGE-FEEDING AND SHORT TERM OUTCOMES

Madhu Jagalasar; Vignesh Kumar S; Giridhar S; Dr Srinivasan K

Volume : VIII, Issue : VIII, August - 2019

EARLY DISCHARGE OF PRETERM INFANTS ON GAVAGE-FEEDING AND SHORT TERM OUTCOMES

Madhu Jagalasar, Vignesh Kumar S, Giridhar S, Dr Srinivasan K

Abstract :

Aim and Objectives: To analyse short term outcomes of preterm neonates discharged on gavage feeds.Materials and Methods: Retrospective Cohort study of discharged neonates on gavage feeds. Outcome measures:To access mortality rate within 8 weeks after discharge and duration of hospital stay, re–admissions rates and anthropometry indices on follow–up. Results: There were no differences between the early– and routine–discharge groups in the mortality [1 (2%) vs 3 (6.2%), p=0.06] following discharge and re–admission rates[6(12.5) vs 5(10.4%)].There was significant difference in the duration of stay in the two treatment groups (17 days vs. 28 days, p 0.02). At 38 weeks post–menstrual age, the rate of weight gain (mean 30 vs 33 g/kg/day, p=0.06) and head circumference growth (38.9 vs 39.5 cm, p=0.10) were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Early discharge of stable preterm infants on gavage feeding resulted in a reduction in length of hospitalization.