The Race to Full Feeding: Preterm Babies' Journey in NICUs

Preterm infants born before 32 weeks face a challenging journey to reach full enteral feeding. This journey varies greatly depending on several factors. For instance, babies born weighing less than 1, 500 grams had a tougher time reaching full feeding. These babies were split into two groups: those with extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and those with very low birth weight (VLBW). The time to reach full feeding (TFEF) differed significantly between these two groups. The TFEF for ELBW infants was notably longer, with a median of 32 days. Only a small fraction, about 10. 4%, reached full feeding within two weeks. A larger portion, around 31. 1%, took between two to four weeks, while nearly 30% took over six weeks. On the other hand, VLBW infants had a median TFEF of 22 days. A mere 3. 4% achieved full feeding within a week, and about 43. 2% took between two to four weeks. The rest took over four weeks. Gestational age also played a crucial role. Infants born at 25 weeks or earlier had a median TFEF of 36 days, while those born at 31 weeks had a median of just 20 days. Babies born in the same hospital where they were delivered reached full feeding faster than those transferred from other facilities. Additionally, breastfed infants achieved full feeding quicker than those on formula or mixed feeding. Starting enteral feeding earlier also sped up the process. Medical interventions and complications further complicated the journey. Infants who received treatments like central catheters, blood transfusions, or had conditions like patent ductus arteriosus or necrotizing enterocolitis took longer to reach full feeding. These findings highlight the need for improved care strategies to shorten the TFEF for preterm infants. The journey to full feeding for preterm infants is complex and influenced by many factors. Understanding these factors can help improve care and support these tiny fighters. It is important to note that while medical advances have improved outcomes, there is still much work to be done. Each baby's journey is unique, and personalized care plans are essential. The goal is to help these infants reach full feeding as quickly and safely as possible, giving them the best start in life.