Effects of Non-Nutritive Sucking on Gastric Residual of Tube-Fed Preterm Infant: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract Introduction and aim: The intolerance feeding in preterm infants is common; the aim of the study was to examining the effect of non-nutritive sucking on tube-fed gastric residual. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 86 preterm infants, 28–34 weeks' gestation, with a birth weight of 750-1500 grams, hospitalized to the NICU, the neonatal unit of a teaching hospital, and a Social Security hospital. Infants assigned to two groups - with non-nutritive sucking or without non-nutritive feeding using simple random method. From the beginning of gavage for the infants in the first group, non-nutritive sucking with a pacifier during gavage carried out by the researcher in 10 minutes later, three times a day for 7 days by the researcher. Nevertheless, the second group of infants underwent gavage according to ward routine and did not receive non-nutritive sucking from a pacifier. In both groups, on the study days prior to the next feeding, the residual volume (GR) of gavages measured by a researcher. Results: The residual volume in the intervention group during different days was lower than that of the control group, and there was statistically a significant difference between the intervention and control groups during the seven days and three times a day (p=0.012), which becomes more pronounced in different days (p= 0.014), however, there is no difference among the daily feeding times (p=0.14). Conclusion: The hypothesis of non-nutritive sucking being beneficial regarding the intolerance of nutrition in preterm infants confirmed. Thus, it recommended that nurses and mothers improve gastrointestinal development and nutrition of preterm infants by give the pacifier along with the gavage in tube-fed preterm infant.