Review: continuous nasogastric milk feeding leads to a longer time to reach full feeds in premature infants < 1500 g
QUESTION: In premature infants weighing < 1500 g, how effective is continuous compared with intermittent bolus nasogastric milk feeding?
Data sources
Studies were identified by searching Medline, CINAHL, HealthSTAR, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register up to June 2000; and by reviewing abstracts, conference proceedings, and references from relevant publications.
Study selection
Studies were selected if they were randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that enrolled infants < 1500 g with no major congenital anomalies that might interfere with feeding tolerance; evaluated continuous nasogastric compared with intermittent bolus tube feedings of breast milk or formula; and assessed days to full feeds, feeding tolerance, time to regain birth weight, somatic growth, days to discharge, or complications such as necrotising enterocolitis and apnoea.
Data extraction
2 reviewers independently extracted data on methodological quality, patient characteristics, intervention type, …
