Objective: The study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of enteral feeding in very low birthweight infants (VLBWI), to determine the risk factors associated with feeding intolerance, and to analysis the beneficial factors in order to improve gut motility and maturation.
Methods: The study was carried out in 38 VLBWI, birthweight (1,314 +/- 180) g, in the NICU of authors' department. They were divided into feeding tolerance and intolerance groups, and earlier enteral feeding and later groups. Comparison was made between two groups about the associate factors.
Results: The incidence of feeding intolerance was 55 per cent. There was a significant difference in two groups about the clinical factors (gestational age, birth weight, the age of the first feeding, time of full enteral feeding and the hospitalized days). The significant risk factors associated with feeding intolerance were the smaller gestational age, umbilical catheterization, theophylline therapy, and delay of the time when the first feed was commenced.
Conclusion: If vital signs are stable, trophic feeding in VLBWI should be commenced as soon as possible during the first 6 days of life. Early trophic feeding, slowly increase the feeding volume, carefully fast, and moving bowel were suggested and will improve feeding tolerance and gastrointestinal maturation.