Efficacy of Cue-Based Versus Scheduled Feeding in Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Neonates
Jayesh Solanki, Mufaddal Husenibhai Bookseller
Abstract
Background: Scheduled feeding is defined as feeding a neonate a predefined volume of milk according to a rigid schedule, while demand-based feeding takes into consideration hunger cues as presented by a neonate.
Aim: To compare outcomes of cue-based feeding versus scheduled feeding in preterm low-birth-weight (LBW) neonates
Materials and Methods: We compared demand feeding (group A) and scheduled feeding (group B) in a randomized trial. We included 305 preterm LBW neonates. Neonates in group A were given a predefined volume of feed whenever they demonstrated hunger cues, and neonates in group B were fed based on the standard schedule. The primary outcomes of this study were weight gain pattern and duration of hospitalization, and the secondary outcome was incidence of feed intolerance.
Of the 305 neonates, 254 successfully completed the study (10 had feed intolerance, 35 were discharged against medical advice, and 6 were excluded for other reasons).
Results: Weight gain was 8.6 g/kg/d in group A and 7.8 g/kg/d in group B (P = .087), which suggests that the difference in weight gain between the 2 groups was insignificant. The median duration of hospitalization for group A was 5 days, while for group B, it was 8 days (P < .0001). The feed intolerance was not statistically significant in both the groups (5 neonates in each group).
Conclusion: Cue-based/demand-based feeding is a feasible and beneficial approach for preterm LBW neonates admitted in the NICU.
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