Prevalence of problematic feeding in young children born prematurely: a meta-analysis

Perceptions of families and healthcare providers about feeding preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: protocol for a qualitative systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The underdevelopment of preterm infants can lead to delayed progression through key early milestones. Demonstration of safe oral feeding skills, constituting proper suck-swallow reflex are requirements for discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to ensure adequate nutrition acquisition. Helping an infant develop these skills can be draining and emotional for both families and healthcare staff involved in the care of preterm infants with feeding difficulties. Currently, there are no systematic reviews evaluating both family and healthcare team perspectives on aspects of oral feeding. Thus, we first aim to evaluate the current knowledge surrounding the perceptions, experiences and needs of families with preterm babies in the context of oral feeding in the NICU. Second, we aim to evaluate the current knowledge surrounding the perceptions, experiences and needs of healthcare providers (physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, dietitians, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists) in the context of oral feeding in the NICU.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A literature search will be conducted in multiple electronic databases from their inception, including PubMed, CINHAL, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials and PsycINFO. No restrictions will be applied based on language or data of publication. Two authors will screen the titles and abstracts and then review the full text for the studies' inclusion in the review. The data will be extracted into a pilot-tested data collection sheet by three independent authors. To evaluate the quality, reliability and relevance of the included studies, the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist will be used. The overall evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. We will report the results of the systematic review by following the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the synthesis of Qualitative research checklist.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval of this project is not required as this is a systematic review using published and publicly available data and will not involve contact with human subjects. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023479288.

Characterizing Biomarkers of Continuous Peristalsis and Bolus Transit during Oral Feeding in Infants at pH-Impedance Evaluation: Clinical and Research Implications

OBJECTIVE

To examine the biomarkers of pharyngoesophageal swallowing during oral feeding sessions in infants undergoing pH-impedance testing and determine if swallow frequencies are distinct between oral- and partially oral-fed infants.

STUDY DESIGN

One oral feeding session was performed in 40 infants during pH-impedance studies and measurements included swallowing frequency, multiple swallow rate, air and liquid swallow rates, esophageal swallow clearance time (ESCT), and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) characteristics. Linear and mixed statistical models were applied to examine the swallowing markers and outcomes.

RESULTS

Infants (30.2 ± 4.4 weeks birth gestation) were evaluated at 41.2 ± 0.4 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Overall, 10,675 swallows were analyzed during the oral feeding sessions (19.3 ± 5.4 min per infant) and GER events were noted (2.5 ± 0.3 per study). Twenty-four-hour acid reflux index (ARI) was 9.5 ± 2.0%. Differences were noted in oral- and partially oral-fed infants for: volume consumption (p<0.01), consumption rate (p<0.01), and length of hospital stay in days (p<0.01). Infants with ARI >7% had greater frequency of swallows (p=0.01). The oral-fed group had greater ARI (12.7 ± 3.3%, p=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Oropharyngeal swallowing regulatory characteristics decrease over the feeding duration and were different between ARI >7% vs ≤7%. Although GER is less in infants who are partially oral-fed, the neonates with increased acid exposure achieved greater oral intakes and shorter hospitalizations, despite the presence of comorbidities. Pharyngoesophageal stimulation as during consistent feeding or GER events can activate peristaltic responses and rhythms, which may be contributory to the findings.

Considering the Influence of Social Determinants of Health on Parent Feeding Practices: A Case Example

BACKGROUND

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. SDOH can be grouped into 5 domains: economic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. SDOH impact people's health and quality of life but may also contribute to disparities in access to food, education, and healthcare. SDOH uniquely influence parent feeding practices in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a variety of ways, ranging from logistical considerations for parent visitation to cultural beliefs such as family perception of human milk feeding.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A hypothetical case example of a preterm infant with a feeding disorder in the NICU is used to connect SDOH that influence prenatal health, parental lived experience, and postnatal medical care to maternal and infant outcomes with implications for feeding practices. Barriers and facilitators to successful feeding practices in the NICU and at discharge are considered for each SDOH domain.

RESULTS

This case example increases awareness of SDOH and how they influence parent feeding practices in the NICU, focusing on the intersection of SDOH, parent stress, and oral feeding outcomes. Examples were provided for how to support applying findings into practice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH

By being creating a culture of SDOH awareness, NICU staff can assist families in overcoming barriers by putting supports in place to increase equitable participation in developmentally supportive feeding practices during the NICU stay.

Global State of the Art and Science of Childhood Dysphagia: Similarities and Disparities in Burden

Feeding/swallowing and airway protection are complex functions, essential for survival, and continue to evolve throughout the lifetime. Medical and surgical advances across the globe have improved the long-term survival of medically complex children at the cost of increasing comorbidities, including dysfunctional swallowing (dysphagia). Dysphagia is prominent in children with histories of preterm birth, neurologic and neuromuscular diagnoses, developmental delays, and aerodigestive disorders; and is associated with medical, health, and neurodevelopmental problems; and long-term socioeconomic, caregiver, health system, and social burdens. Despite these survival and population trends, data on global prevalence of childhood dysphagia and associated burdens are limited, and practice variations are common. This article reviews current global population and resource-dependent influences on current trends for children with dysphagia, disparities in the availability and access to specialized multidisciplinary care, and potential impacts on burdens. A patient example will illustrate some questions to be considered and decision-making options in relation to age and development, availability and accessibility to resources, as well as diverse cultures and family values. Precise recognition of feeding/swallowing disorders and follow-up intervention are enhanced by awareness and knowledge of global disparities in resources. Initiatives are needed, which address geographic and economic barriers to providing optimal care to children with dysphagia.

Feeding and swallowing outcomes of children receiving long-term ventilation: A scoping review protocol

BACKGROUND

The last three decades have seen a growth in the number of children requiring long-term ventilation. Children with long-term ventilation present with underlying respiratory and neurological conditions that place them at risk of feeding and swallowing difficulties. To date, a scoping review or systematic review investigating the feeding and swallowing outcomes of children with long-term ventilation needs has not been conducted.

AIMS

This paper describes a protocol for a scoping review of the feeding and swallowing outcomes of children receiving long-term ventilation.

METHODS

This scoping review protocol will utilize the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology guideline. Our review will focus on the feeding and swallowing outcomes of children aged 0 to 18 years with long-term ventilation needs. A full search strategy initially created by the authors and a research librarian was conducted on the PubMed database. Following this, pilot testing took place to determine discrepancies in eligibility criteria. A full search strategy will be conducted across several databases. A data extraction form has been developed by the authors and will be used during the scoping review process.

DISCUSSION

This protocol has been created to provide a rigorous and comprehensive basis for undertaking a scoping review. All necessary steps have been completed in order to commence the scoping review.

REGISTRATION

This scoping review protocol was registered on Open Science Framework on the 26th November 2021 (Registration DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/NQBPD).

Development, Psychometric Testing, and Reference Values of the Infant Eating Assessment Tool (InfantEAT)

BACKGROUND

Problematic feeding is common in infancy, particularly in infants with a history of premature birth or medical complexity. A concise, valid, and reliable measure of feeding that can be used across feeding methods is needed for clinical practice and research.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to create an assessment tool to evaluate symptoms of problematic feeding in infants that can be used across all feeding methods (breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and mixed feeding), then test its psychometric properties and establish reference values.

METHODS

Item response theory (IRT) was used to identify the most important items on the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool (NeoEAT) related to symptoms of problematic feeding in infants (N = 1054) to create the Infant Eating Assessment Tool (InfantEAT). Reliability of the InfantEAT was tested using Cronbach's α and interitem correlations. Reference values of the InfantEAT were determined from a sample of healthy, full-term infants (n = 561). Percent agreement in identifying problematic feeding between the NeoEAT and the InfantEAT was calculated.

RESULTS

The InfantEAT is comprised of 31 items in 9 subscales. The InfantEAT has evidence of acceptable reliability (α = 0.88). There was 74% agreement between the NeoEAT and the InfantEAT, with the InfantEAT being more sensitive to identifying problematic feeding. References values are presented for infants 0 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6, and 6 to 7 months.

IMPLICATIONS PRACTICE AND RESEARCH

The InfantEAT is a reliable and sensitive tool to evaluate symptoms of problematic feeding across feeding methods for infants younger than 7 months in both practice and research.

Differences in the swallowing process of newborns and healthy preterm infants: first results with a non-invasive bioimpedance and electromyography measurement system

PURPOSE

Preterm infants (PI) have difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing and breathing, and there is a risk of aspiration. The causes of this are not yet sufficiently understood. The aim of this study was to test a novel measurement device to measure breathing and pharyngeal processes involved in swallowing externally in everyday life to identify possible differences in neonates (NB) and PI.

METHODS

Forty healthy NB were studied at 4-8 weeks of age (mean: 6.7 weeks) and 20 healthy PI (mean gestational age 30.5 weeks) at postmenstrual age (PMA) 34/35 weeks (mean PMA 35.1 weeks) during a single feeding. Surface electrodes were used to measure bioimpedance and electromyography reflecting swallow-related changes in the pharynx and muscle activation of the tongue and submental muscles. A respiratory belt was combined with recording of the depth of chest movements and the occurrence of pauses in breathing.

RESULTS

Velocity and extent of pharyngeal closure did not differ significantly across the feeding period (velocity: p=0.09, closure: p=0.17), but during the first two suck-swallow bursts PI had greater velocity (p<0.001*) and extent of pharyngeal closure (p=0.004*) than NB. The duration of swallowing phases was significantly longer in PIs (p<0.001*), their muscle activation decreased faster (p<0.001*), and they had more pauses in breathing than NBs.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel measurement device allowed, for the first time in everyday life, the measurement of factors influencing swallowing and breath-swallow coordination in NBs and PIs. PIs showed differences from NBs most likely due to differences in muscle strength and condition.

Determinants of early neonatal mortality: secondary analysis of the 2012 and 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey

Background

Most neonatal deaths occur during the first week of life (i.e., early neonatal deaths). In this analysis, we aimed to investigate the determinants of early neonatal deaths in a nationally representative sample of births in Indonesia over the five years before each survey.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2012 and 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS), including information from 58,902 mothers of children aged <5 years of age. The outcome variable was early neonatal death (death of a newborn within the first six days of life). Explanatory variables were categorized into environmental, household, maternal, pregnancy, childbirth, and child characteristics. Multivariate regression methods were employed for analysis.

Results

Increased odds of early neonatal deaths were associated with mothers who lacked formal education or had incomplete primary schooling (adjusted odd ratio [OR] = 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-5.01), worked outside the house in agricultural (aOR = 5.94, 95% CI: 3.09-11.45) or non-agricultural field (aOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.88-4.72), and were required to make a joint decision about health care with their partner or another household member (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.12-2.84). Increased odds were also observed in smaller-than-average infants, particularly those who received low-quality antenatal care services (aOR = 9.10, 95% CI: 5.04-16.41) and those whose mothers had delivery complications (aOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.10-2.68) or who were delivered by cesarean section (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.07-2.82). Furthermore, male infants showed higher odds than female infants (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.23-2.76).

Conclusions

A multifaceted approach is essential for curtailing early neonatal mortality in Indonesia. Enabling workplace policies, promoting women's empowerment, strengthening the health system, and improving the uptake of high-quality antenatal care services are among the critical steps toward preventing early neonatal deaths in Indonesia.

Process improvement of a paediatric feeding clinic

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify opportunities to improve processes within a paediatric feeding clinic to enhance timely patient access to healthcare through effective and efficient resource use.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved three interrelated methods. First, de-identified feeding clinic data, collected over seven years, were analysed to understand patient appointments. Second, clinician workshops and the swim lane method were used to map feeding clinic processes. Third, root cause analysis was conducted to identify bottlenecks and identify improvement opportunities.

Findings

The results revealed three, poorly connected sub-processes within the feeding clinic - namely: the patient triaging and appointment scheduling or allocation process; the clinic reporting process; and the cancellation and rescheduling process. These sub-processes were poorly connected because of inadequate resources, few standardised processes, and limited coordination between the different processes. Consequently, patient appointments were typically delayed, and patient reports were not always completed in a timely manner. Processes within the paediatric feeding clinic could therefore be improved by using digital tools, patient portals and telehealth, online interventions, an automated appointment confirmation system, and/or an automated transcription of each appointment.

Originality/value

This is the first published study to apply business process management to a paediatric feeding clinic. By using three methods to clarify opportunities to improve clinic processes, it highlights the potential value of health information technology in this context. This evidence will enable health service managers to ensure that children with feeding difficulties have timely access to appropriate care.

Feeding Characteristics in Children With Food Allergies: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Food allergy (FA) affects approximately 8% of children and may be immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated or non-IgE-mediated. It is recognized clinically that children with both subtypes of FA may present with features of pediatric feeding disorder (PFD); however, there is currently a limited detail of presenting characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to synthesize the current evidence regarding the feeding characteristics of children with FA, with a focus on the feeding skills and psychosocial domains of PFD.

METHOD

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Papers published between 2001 and 2022 describing feeding characteristics in the feeding skills and psychosocial domains in children with FA/history of FA were included. Papers that focused solely on characteristics from the medical or nutritional domains were excluded. Descriptive information regarding demographics, methodology, allergy profile and history, and the characteristics of PFD observed was extracted using a preconceived data extraction form.

RESULTS

Overall, 40 papers contained descriptions of feeding characteristics of children with non-IgE-mediated FA (n = 22) and IgE-mediated FA (n = 11), while four were nonspecific. In the psychosocial domain, food refusal/aversion, anxiety with eating, and poor intake were the most frequently reported, regardless of FA subtype. Less information was reported regarding feeding skills, although slowness in eating, immature diet, and delays in oral sensory-motor skills were described.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with FA/history of FA may present with a range of characteristics that map across the feeding skill and psychosocial domains of PFD. Systematic research is needed to fully describe the feeding characteristics of children with FA.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24562732.

Parents' experiences of living with a child with Paediatric Feeding Disorder: An interview study in Sweden

INTRODUCTION

Children affected by Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) cannot consume enough nourishment by mouth. PFD is highly prevalent and can affect the child's growth and development as well as family life.

AIM

To illuminate Swedish parents' experiences of living with a child with PFD.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews via telephone or video calls were conducted with 14 purposefully recruited mothers and six fathers. The interviews were analysed using content analysis. Ethics approval was obtained, and the parents all gave informed consent.

RESULTS

Four overarching themes emerged: Living with stress; Advocating for the child; Adapting family life; and Gaining hope. Parents described fearing for their child's life and health, feeling pressure over meals and being emotionally affected. They told of experiencing a lack of understanding from healthcare professionals, friends and family. Parents expressed a struggle for help, the need for early interventions and more effective treatment, and developed strategies for coping with the demands of feeding and caring for their child, accepting their living reality. Finding support from a network helped, but the adaptation of daily life affected their family relations. They felt gratitude towards helpful professionals and relief and joy when their child was doing better.

CONCLUSIONS

A more cohesive chain of care is important for children with PFD, and guidelines and educational support for healthcare providers are needed. Parental experiences provide a base for knowledge for further development of early detection and intervention for children with PFD.

Developmental care pathway for hospitalised infants with CHD: on behalf of the Cardiac Newborn Neuroprotective Network, a Special Interest Group of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative

Infants and children born with CHD are at significant risk for neurodevelopmental delays and abnormalities. Individualised developmental care is widely recognised as best practice to support early neurodevelopment for medically fragile infants born premature or requiring surgical intervention after birth. However, wide variability in clinical practice is consistently demonstrated in units caring for infants with CHD. The Cardiac Newborn Neuroprotective Network, a Special Interest Group of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative, formed a working group of experts to create an evidence-based developmental care pathway to guide clinical practice in hospital settings caring for infants with CHD. The clinical pathway, "Developmental Care Pathway for Hospitalized Infants with Congenital Heart Disease," includes recommendations for standardised developmental assessment, parent mental health screening, and the implementation of a daily developmental care bundle, which incorporates individualised assessments and interventions tailored to meet the needs of this unique infant population and their families. Hospitals caring for infants with CHD are encouraged to adopt this developmental care pathway and track metrics and outcomes using a quality improvement framework.

Birth-related, medical, and diagnostic characteristics in younger versus older children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

BACKGROUND

Although avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) presents the replacement and extension of feeding disorders of infancy and childhood, previous research into ARFID concentrated mainly on older patients. While birth-related characteristics play an etiologic role in feeding disorders, virtually nothing is known so far in ARFID. Therefore, the first aim of the study was to identify differences in birth-related characteristics in younger vs. older children with ARFID. Second, differences in physical and mental comorbidities, and third, diagnostic features between age groups were analysed.

METHODS

Among N = 51 in- and outpatient treatment-seeking patients, n = 23 patients aged 0-5 years (30% girls) and n = 28 patients aged 6-17 years (57% girls), with an interview-based diagnosis of ARFID were included. Data on the pre- and perinatal period and mental and physical comorbidities were derived from patients' medical records, while diagnostic criteria, main ARFID presentation, and sociodemographic variables were collected through diagnostic interview.

RESULTS

Significantly, younger patients with ARFID were born more often preterm and had more pre- and perinatal complications and a higher incidence of postnatal invasive procedures. Patients with ARFID aged 0-5 years presented significantly more physical comorbidities and conditions, especially congenital anomalies, while mental comorbidities, especially mood disorders, were significantly more common in patients with ARFID aged 6-17 years. No age differences were found for the distribution of diagnostic criteria and main ARFID presentation.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study which aimed to identify age-specific characteristics in patients with ARFID with potential relevance for diagnosis and treatment. Especially birth-related complications, including invasive procedures postnatally, may be associated with developing ARFID, highlighting the importance of a closer view on these potential risk factors of the disorder. Future research with longitudinal design and larger samples may allow more detailed information on further age-specific associations, symptom trajectories, and age-specific risk factors for ARFID.

A decade of evidence: standardized feeding initiative targeting feeding milestones and predicting NICU stays in premature infants in an all-referral level IV NICU

OBJECTIVE

Ten-year data from the simplified, individualized, milestone-targeted, pragmatic, longitudinal and educational (SIMPLE) feeding initiative were examined by gestational age (GA) category to characterize the feeding milestones, length of hospital stays (LOHS), annual variability and predictive models for LOHS.

STUDY DESIGN

Preterm infants (≤32 weeks GA, N = 434) in level-IV NICU had milestone-targeted feeding plans. Continuous data were analyzed for outcomes.

RESULTS

Over 93% successfully attained full oral feedings. Earlier acquisition of feeding milestones correlated with earlier discharge (P < 0.05). Year-wise analysis showed sustained maintenance of milestones (P < 0.05). Milestones and outcomes (P < 0.001) were significantly correlated with different GA categories. Prediction models for LOHS were derived using GA, BPD, age at full enteral, postmenstrual age (PMA) at 1st and full oral feeds.

CONCLUSIONS

The SIMPLE feeding program minimized variability and promoted acquisition of feeding milestones consistently. LOHS is predictable using feeding milestones, co-morbidities, GA, and PMA at feeding milestones.

Documentation and prevalence of prenatal and neonatal outcomes in a cohort of individuals with KBG syndrome

Ankyrin Repeat Domain 11 (ANKRD11) gene mutations are associated with KBG syndrome, a developmental disability that affects multiple organ systems. The function of ANKRD11 in human growth and development is not clear, but gene knockout or mutation are lethal in mice embryos and/or pups. In addition, it plays a vital role in chromatin regulation and transcription. Individuals with KBG syndrome are often misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed until later in life. This is largely due to KBG syndrome's varying and nonspecific phenotypes as well as a lack of accessible genetic testing and prenatal screening. This study documents perinatal outcomes for individuals with KBG syndrome. We obtained data from 42 individuals through videoconferences, medical records, and emails. 45.2% of our cohort was born by C-section, 33.3% had a congenital heart defect, 23.8% were born prematurely, 23.8% were admitted to the NICU, 14.3% were small for gestational age, and 14.3% of the families had a history of miscarriage. These rates were higher in our cohort compared to the overall population, including non-Hispanic and Hispanic populations. Other reports included feeding difficulties (21.4%), neonatal jaundice (14.3%), decreased fetal movement (7.1%), and pleural effusions in utero (4.7%). Comprehensive perinatal studies about KBG syndrome and updated documentation of its phenotypes are important in ensuring prompt diagnosis and can facilitate correct management.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures That Describe the Feeding Skills Domain for Pediatric Feeding Disorder: A Clinimetric Review

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is defined as "impaired oral intake that is not age-appropriate, and is associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skill, and/or psychosocial dysfunction." Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are tools that complement clinical assessment, but many have limited clinimetric data. This review aimed to assess PROMs that reported on the feeding skills domain for PFD in children.

METHODS

A search strategy across 4 databases was conducted (July 2022). PROMs were included in the review if they described elements of the feeding skills domain of PFD, had criterion/norm-referenced data and/or a standardized assessment procedure, description, or scoring system available, and were applicable to children ≥6 months. PROMs were mapped to the PFD diagnostic domains and aspects of the International Classification of Function (ICF) model. Quality assessment was completed using the COnsensus-based Standards to the selection of health Measurement Instruments methodology.

RESULTS

Overall, 14 PROMs across 22 papers met inclusion criteria. There was variable methodological quality across the tools, with those more recently developed often receiving better scores, particularly where a more rigorous process for tool development and content validity was reported. Most tools captured ICF aspects of impairment (n = 11, eg, biting/chewing) or activity (n = 13, eg, eating a meal), rather than social participation (n = 3, eg, going to a restaurant).

CONCLUSIONS

Using PROMs with strong content validity, and including some measure of social participation, is recommended as part of an assessment battery for PFD. Consideration of the caregiver/child perspective is an essential component of family-centered care.

Investigation of Assessment Tools in the Area of Pediatric Feeding Evaluation: A Mixed-Methods Study

IMPORTANCE

The new diagnostic code for pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) in the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, Clinical Modification, requires that occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use valid and reliable assessment tools that capture the complexity of PFD.

OBJECTIVE

To determine current assessment tools that clinicians are using across the four domains of PFD: (1) medical factors, (2) nutrition factors, (3) feeding skill factors, and (4) psychosocial factors. A secondary objective was to obtain clinicians' perceptions of the assessment tools.

DESIGN

A mixed-methods study using survey research and focus groups.

SETTING

Online survey and virtual focus groups.

PARTICIPANTS

Occupational therapists and SLPs who identified as clinicians who treat PFDs.

RESULTS

The survey revealed that 65% of the clinicians (N = 445) used a nonstandardized assessment tool across the four domains of PFD. The focus groups (n = 26) revealed four resulting themes that expanded the survey results: (1) no one assessment tool works, (2) clinicians rely on self-created assessments, (3) it takes a team and collaboration, and (4) there are many issues with the current assessment of PFD.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study reveals the need for clinicians working with children with PFD to use feeding assessment tools with sound psychometric properties. The requirement for occupational therapists and SLPs to evaluate and treat dysphagia and disorders of feeding indicates the need to provide entry-level education on reliable and valid assessment tools that thoroughly evaluate all the domains of PFD. What This Article Adds: This article highlights current assessment tools used by occupational therapists and SLPs treating PFD and the need for more standardized procedures and tools to evaluate children across the four domains of PFD.

Small vulnerable newborns-big potential for impact

Despite major achievements in child survival, the burden of neonatal mortality has remained high and even increased in some countries since 1990. Currently, most neonatal deaths are attributable to being born preterm, small for gestational age (SGA), or with low birthweight (LBW). Besides neonatal mortality, these conditions are associated with stillbirth and multiple morbidities, with short-term and long-term adverse consequences for the newborn, their families, and society, resulting in a major loss of human capital. Prevention of preterm birth, SGA, and LBW is thus critical for global child health and broader societal development. Progress has, however, been slow, largely because of the global community's failure to agree on the definition and magnitude of newborn vulnerability and best ways to address it, to frame the problem attractively, and to build a broad coalition of actors and a suitable governance structure to implement a change. We propose a new definition and a conceptual framework, bringing preterm birth, SGA, and LBW together under a broader umbrella term of the small vulnerable newborn (SVN). Adoption of the framework and the unified definition can facilitate improved problem definition and improved programming for SVN prevention. Interventions aiming at SVN prevention would result in a healthier start for live-born infants, while also reducing the number of stillbirths, improving maternal health, and contributing to a positive economic and social development in the society.

Safety, feasibility and diagnostic value of Clinical Swallow Examination and FEES in children between 0 and 24 months

BACKGROUND

Clinical Swallowing Examination (CSE) and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) are relevant diagnostic methods in pediatric dysphagia. Satisfactory and comprehensive healthcare is still not part of the standard diagnostic process.

AIMS

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and diagnostic value of CSE and FEES in children 0-24 months of age.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cross-sectional study which was conducted at the pediatric clinic of the University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany, between 2013 and 2021.

SUBJECTS

A total of 79 infants and toddlers with suspected dysphagia were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Analyses of the cohort and FEES pathologies were performed. Dropout criterion, complications and change of diet were recorded. Chi-square identified associations between clinical symptoms and FEES results.

RESULTS

All FEES examinations were performed without complications and with a completion rate of 93.7 %. Anatomical abnormalities in the laryngeal region were diagnosed in 33 children. Wet voice was significantly associated with premature spillage (p = .028).

CONCLUSIONS

CSE and FEES are important and uncomplicated examinations for children with suspected dysphagia between 0 and 24 months. They are equally helpful for differential diagnosis of feeding disorders and anatomical abnormalities. The results underline the added value of combining both examinations and their importance for individual nutritional management. History taking and CSE are mandatory as they reflect the everyday eating situation. This study adds essential knowledge to the diagnostic work-up of dysphagic infants and toddlers. Standardizing the examinations and validating dysphagia scales are future tasks.

Intensive Multidisciplinary Feeding Intervention for High-Risk Infants

Infants born premature or other medical complex infants are at high risk for developing long-term feeding problems that extends beyond infancy. Intensive multidisciplinary feeding intervention (IMFI) represents the standard of care for children with chronic and severe feeding issues, with a profession team that should involve, at a minimum, psychology, medicine, nutrition, and feeding skill expertise. IMFI seems to hold benefit for preterm and medically complex infants; however, there remains a need to develop and investigate new therapeutic pathways to reduce the number of patients who likely require this level of care.

Testing and Development of Slightly Thick Infant Formula Recipes for Dysphagia Management: An Australian Perspective

Thickened feeds may be useful in supporting improved suck-swallow-breath coordination and airway protection in infants with dysphagia. Unfortunately, the stability of thickened feeds for infant formulas is unpredictable, which makes use of this strategy challenging. This study aimed to propose a set of Level 1 (slightly thick) recipes for Australian infant formulas/thickeners. A secondary aim was to test whether formula could be batch prepared. A set of powdered, ready-to-feed, and specialized formulas were mixed with two thickening products (Aptamil Feed Thickener® and Supercol®) and tested at 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, and 45-min intervals using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) Flow Test. Formula/thickener samples were mixed following manufacturer instructions, but recipes were adapted to determine an ideal recipe for Level 1 (slightly thick) consistency that would be maintained over a feed. Samples were refrigerated, reheated after 12 h, and retested. Each combination was tested six times. Overall, 1,353 IDDSI Flow Tests were conducted using 14 formula/thickener combinations. In all combinations, recipe alterations were made using metric spoon measurements as opposed to the manufacturer-provided scoop. All samples were most variable at the 5-min timepoint. Formulas thickened with Supercol® generally reached a more stable consistency by 10 min, whereas formulas thickened with Aptamil Feed Thickener® were more stable by 15 min. Samples tested after 12 h were more variable with Aptamil Feed Thickener®. This study provides practical recommendations for clinicians working with infants requiring thickened feeds for dysphagia management. Further study under controlled laboratory conditions is required.

A thickened formula reduces feeding-associated oxygen desaturation and bradycardia in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Although preterm infants often experience desaturation or bradycardia during oral feeding, specific guidelines for its management are lacking.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a commercial thickened formula (TF) on oxygen saturation and heart rate stabilization during oral feeding in preterm infants.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 122 infants born at a median (interquartile range [IQR]) 31+6 weeks (29+4 -34+6 weeks) of gestation weighing 1,725 g (1,353-2,620 g) and fed commercial cornstarch-containing TF due to feeding-associated desaturation or bradycardia. We excluded infants fed TF to treat symptomatic regurgitation. Desaturation and bradycardia events were compared between 3 days prior to the change and 3 days after the change to TF. Desaturation and bradycardia were defined as SpO2 <85% and heart rate <100 beats/min during or immediately after oral bottle feeding, respectively.

RESULTS

The median (IQR) postmenstrual age and weight were 36+1 weeks (34+6-38+0 weeks) and 2,395 g (2,160-2,780 g), respectively, at the time of change to TF. The frequency of desaturation significantly decreased after TF feeding (median [IQR]: 2.3 [1.3-3.3] events/day vs. 0.3 [0-1.7] events/day, P< 0.001). Bradycardia also decreased after TF feeding (0.3 [0-1] events/day vs. 0 [0-0.7] events/day, P=0.006). There were no cases of diarrhea or electrolyte abnormalities after TF feeding. Defecation frequency decreased (P=0.037), and polyethylene glycol was prescribed to 27% of the TF-fed infants. In a subgroup analysis of 16 infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the frequency of desaturation was reduced (2.3 [1.8-3.8] events/day vs. 0.5 [0-1.5] events/day, P=0.042), and weight gain improved (22.5 [3.1-36.3] g/day vs. 41.3 [28.1-55.1] g/day, P=0.019), after TF feeding.

CONCLUSION

TF feeding significantly reduces oral feeding-associated oxygen desaturation and bradycardia in preterm infants. TF may be useful for stabilizing oxygen saturation and heart rate among preterm infants with difficulties in oral feeding.

Pediatric dysphagia overview: best practice recommendation study by multidisciplinary experts

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no comprehensive and multidisciplinary recommendation study covering all aspects of pediatric dysphagia (PD). This study aimed to generate PD management recommendations with methods that can be used in clinical practice to fill this gap in our country and in the world, from the perspective of experienced multidisciplinary experts.

METHODS

This recommendation paper was generated by a multidisciplinary team, using the seven-step process and a three-round modified Delphi survey via e-mail. First, ten open-ended questions were created, and then detailed recommendations including management, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up were created with the answers from these questions. Each recommendation item was voted on by the experts as overall consensus (strong recommendation), approaching consensus (weak recommendation) and divergent consensus (not recommended).

RESULTS

In the 1st Delphi round, a questionnaire of 414 items was prepared based on the experts' responses to ten open-ended questions. In the 2nd Delphi round, 59.2% of these items were accepted as pre-recommendation. In the 3rd Delphi round, 62.6% of 246 items were accepted for inclusion in the proposals. The final version recommendations consisted of 154 items.

CONCLUSIONS

This study includes comprehensive and detailed answers for every problem that could be posed in clinical practice for the management of PD, and recommendations are for all pediatric patients with both oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia.

Risk Factors for Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Very Low Birth Weight Infants in Their Second Year of Life

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of feeding and swallowing disorders (FSD) in very low birth weight (VLBW, 1500 g or less) infants in the first two years after discharge from the maternity hospital, their possible risk factors, and the consequences of them. Materials and Methods: A total of 117 preterm children with VLBW born between 2013 and 2015 were included. The data concerning possible FSD after discharge from the hospital were obtained through accessible medical documentation for the child and a short parental questionnaire. Results: FSD was reported in 32 (27.4%) infants following discharge from the hospital but in only five children (4.3%) at a mean age of four years. Four variables (birth gestational age less than 28 weeks, birth weight equal to or less than 1000 g, birth length below 33 cm, and start of oral feeding after the 34th gestational week) were identified as risk factors for FSD after discharge. However, only birth length remained a significant predictor after being included in a binary logistic regression model (p = 0.000). Abnormal oral sensitivity and a decrease in weight to under the 10th percentile were significantly more common in the FSD group at follow-up visits at the age of about 2 years. Conclusions: FSD was still present in more than one-quarter of VLBW infants after discharge from the maternity hospital but mostly disappeared within four years. A birth gestational age under 28 weeks, weight up to 1000 g, the late beginning of per oral feeding, and a birth length below 33 cm were determined to be significant predictive factors for FSD. Having a birth length below 33 cm was associated with an almost 6.5-fold increase in the odds of having persistent FSD after discharge from the hospital. FSD in the first years of life may have an impact on the child's further growth and development.

Non-Pharmacological and Non-Surgical Feeding Interventions for Hospitalized Infants with Pediatric Feeding Disorder: A Scoping Review

Infants born prematurely or with complex medical conditions often require treatment to facilitate safe and efficient feeding. Practice is based on evidence, so frontline clinicians look to the literature to make informed clinical decisions. The aim of this scoping review was to map and describe the literature base for infant feeding and swallowing interventions and to identify areas for further research. Four electronic databases were searched from the sources' inceptions through April 2020 using a search strategy designed by a health sciences research librarian. Thirteen grey literature sources were searched and forward and backward citation chasing was performed. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies reporting non-pharmacological and non-surgical interventions for hospitalized infants. Exclusion criteria included interventions exclusively for infants with cleft lip or palate or for infants being fed exclusively though enteral feeding. Data were extracted using a form created a priori and data were reported descriptively. We reviewed 6654 abstracts: 725 were chosen for full-text review and 136 met inclusion. Most studies explored interventions for infants born prematurely (n = 128). Studies were stratified by intervention domain: bridging (n = 91) and feeding/swallowing (n = 45); intervention approach: direct (n = 72), indirect (n = 31), or combination (n = 33); and outcome: feeding performance (n = 125), physiologic stability (n = 40), and swallowing physiology (n = 12). The body of research in infant feeding has grown; however, a need remains for research focused on populations of infants with various medical complexities and for frequently used interventions that lack supporting evidence.

Oral feeding skills in premature infants: A concept analysis

Background

The delay in developing oral feeding skills becomes a problem experienced by premature infants. One of the reasons for the delay may be related to inconsistent definitions of oral feeding skills, which can cause discrepancies in the provision of nursing care.

Objective

This study aimed to clarify the concept of oral feeding skills in premature infants.

Methods

The Walker and Avant concept analysis method was used. A literature search was also conducted from five databases: CINAHL, PubMed, ProQuest, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, to find articles between January 2020 and December 2022.

Results

The literature search obtained 20 articles on oral feeding skills from various disciplines. Five attributes were developed from the concept analysis, including (1) coordination ability to suck, swallow, and breathe, (2) the ability to regulate oral-motor functions, (3) the ability to regulate sensory functions, (4) the ability to maintain the stability of physiology function, and (5) the ability to regulate feeding behavior. Antecedents to oral feeding skills include immaturity of the nervous system, gestational age, feeding intolerance, increased length of stay and cost of care, increased rehospitalization, stress on parents, and increased morbidity and mortality. Consequences include optimization of growth and development, reduction of length of stay and cost of hospitalization, increased bonding attachment, increased self-efficacy of parents in caring for premature infants, and improvement of the quality of life of premature infants.

Conclusion

The concept analysis provides five comprehensive attributes and their antecedents and consequences. However, this concept can be used to provide nursing care to premature infants, assess the criteria for discharge, and optimize nutrition for the growth and development of premature infants.

Growing Up in Québec: the experience of a pilot study

Growing Up in Québec, also known as the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, 2nd edition (QLSCD 2), is a prospective cohort that began in spring 2021. Its goal is to follow the development of Québec children from the age of five months to adulthood in about 4,500 families. It is conducted by the Institut de la statistique du Québec and is based on the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, 1st edition (QLSCD 1), which began in 1998 and is still ongoing. This article describes the Growing Up in Québec pilot study started in 2018, focusing on its objectives and key stages of completion, namely content selection, recruitment strategies and the retention plan, collection methods, adjustments to strategies made during collection, and methodology, including the construction of a socio-economic poverty indicator for population stratification. The article continues by presenting pilot results and their implications for the main survey. It ends with recommendations from the pilot study, exemplifying the wealth of experience gained from it.

Investigation of the relationship between feeding problems and cognitive functions in premature children

Children with a history of premature birth may show various problems in feeding, and these problems may continue at school age. It is necessary to examine the role of cognitive functions in children's feeding with more detailed studies.Comparison of feeding problems and cognitive functions of premature and full-term children and examining the relationship between them. The parents of 60 children aged 6-10 completed the The Screening Tool of Feeding Problems, and the cognitive functions of the children were evaluated with the Dynamic Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment. Results are compared and correlations betweeen feeding problems and cognitive functions were examıned. Feeding problems of premature children are statistically higher than those born at term; their cognitive functions were statistically weaker (p < 0.001). It was found that feeding problems and cognitive functions were statistically related in premature children (p < 0.05). Feeding problems seen in premature children may be related to their weaker cognitive functions compared to their peers. It is important to evaluate cognitive functions and include them in the intervention in rehabilitation programs to be prepared for premature children with feeding problems.

Self-efficacy in breastfeeding predicts how mothers perceive their preterm infant's state-regulation

Background

Mothers of preterm infants often perceive the infant as having problems with crying, sleeping and feeding, sometimes summarised as ‘state-regulation’. Breastfeeding rates are lower among preterm infants, and the mother’s self-efficacy in breastfeeding is central to understanding which mothers are going to breastfeed their infants. We have previously shown that mothers with higher self-efficacy have an easier time adapting to the infant and in this study we hypothesised that the degree of self-efficacy also is associated with how difficult the mother believes it is to take care of the infant. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the late preterm infant’s mother’s self-efficacy in breastfeeding was associated with how the mother experienced her infant’s state-regulation at three months of corrected age.

Methods

The study had a prospective and longitudinal design with a consecutive data collection through questionnaires. Inclusion criteria were mothers (n = 105) with a singleton infant born between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation. At term age, the mothers completed the Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale-Short Form and at the three months corrected age follow-up, mothers completed the Infant state-regulation index: questions related to whether the infant had difficulties with colic, persistent crying, comforting, falling asleep, sleep problems, breastfeeding, eating or poor weight gain.

Results

The analyses showed that being an older mother, perceiving breastfeeding support, and having a higher breastfeeding self-efficacy were all significantly associated with identifying the infant as having better state-regulation.

Conclusions

There was an association between mothers’ self-efficacy in breastfeeding and her perceptions of how good state-regulation the infant had. This is an important finding, as self-efficacy is a manageable factor that could positively affect how the mother perceives taking care of her infant. Clinical implication: Improved self-efficacy is known to be an important factor in increased breastfeeding prevalence and healthcare professionals should also target mother’s self-efficacy in breastfeeding to improve mother-infant relationship.

Advantages of side-lying position. A comparative study of positioning during bottle-feeding in preterm infants (≤34 weeks GA)

BACKGROUND

The quality and safety of bottle-feeding in premature infants can be improved by optimal positioning. This study analysed the advantages of side-lying position (SLP) and semielevated position (SEP) during bottle-feeding in premature infants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 42 neonates (n=42) born ≤34 weeks of gestational age were included in the study. Four feeding sessions-two in SLP and two in SEP- were analysed for each newborn. The level of saturation (SpO₂) and heart rate, which are the parameters assessing the physiological stability, were measured in the studied newborns. The other factors that were examined to determine the quality of feeding included the total time of decline of SpO₂ to ≤85%, level of the newborn's alertness measured using the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale, and the frequency of choking episodes. The proportion of milk consumed (volume of milk consumed relative to the volume expected) and the feeding duration as well as the total time of feeding session were recorded.

RESULTS

SLP was safer in terms of the frequency of choking episodes. Choking episodes were more frequently observed with feeding in SEP (p<0.001). Moreover, the proportion of milk consumed by infants was statistically significantly higher in SLP (p<0.046) compared to SEP. No significant differences in the other tested parameters were noted in infants fed in SLP and infants fed in SEP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that SLP is effective in reducing the number of choking episodes during feeding. The proportion of milk consumed was better when the neonates were fed in SLP.

Building and Realizing the Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Management Platform by Computer Information Technology under the Concept of Mindfulness Intervention

Nursing management of the gynecology department is one of the challenging issues and needed to be resolved through effective utilization of the available technology. In this paper, we are going to address this issue and try to establish an obstetrics and gynecology nursing management platform used to monitor and evaluate the mental health of pregnant women. Firstly, computer information technology is adopted, and the obstetrics and gynecology nursing management system is established. Secondly, after adopting the system to intervene in the mental state of patients with mindfulness, the system timely monitors the pregnant women's physical health indicators and mental health level data. With the help of the computer data analysis system, the obstetrics and gynecology management platform is built to carry out timely mindfulness interventions for pregnant women. The established system can reach high accuracy in identifying negative emotions of pregnant women, and the accuracy can reach 89.7%. It shows that the established system can timely and accurately intervene and regulate the pregnant woman's bad psychological state, effectively improve the pregnant woman's sleep quality during pregnancy, and enhance the pregnant woman's sleep effect. The effectiveness and feasibility of Internet mindfulness interventions for improving sleep quality during pregnancy has been confirmed. This has important practical significance for the digital and intelligent development of the medical care management platform.

Eating Behaviors, Caregiver Feeding Interactions, and Dietary Patterns of Children Born Preterm: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Infants born preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) often experience feeding problems during hospitalization. Whether difficulties persist or have long-term sequelae on childhood eating is unclear. We aimed to describe the oromotor eating skills (e.g., chewing/swallowing), eating behaviors (e.g., food neophobia), food parenting practices (e.g., pressure to eat), and dietary patterns of preterm children during late infancy (6-12 mo) and early childhood (>12 mo-7 y) and to determine whether these differed from those of term-born peers. We identified 67 articles (57 unique studies) for inclusion. We used random-effects meta-analysis of proportions to examine the prevalence of oromotor eating skill and eating behavior challenges among preterm children, standard meta-analysis for comparisons with term-born peers, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty of evidence. Forty-three percent (95% CI: 24%, 62%) of infants and 25% (95% CI: 17%, 33%) of children born preterm experienced oromotor eating difficulties and 16% (95% CI: 4%, 27%) and 20% (95% CI: 11%, 28%), respectively, exhibited challenging eating behaviors. During late infancy and early childhood, oromotor eating difficulties (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.71, 4.77; I2 = 67.8%) and challenging eating behaviors (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.10; I2 = 0.0%) were more common in those born preterm than in those born term: however, the certainty of evidence was very low. Owing to the low number and heterogeneity of studies, we narratively reviewed literature on food parenting and dietary patterns. Mothers of preterm infants appeared to have heightened anxiety while feeding and utilized coercive food parenting practices; their infants reportedly received less human milk, started solid foods earlier, and had poorer diet quality than term-born peers. In conclusion, meta-analyses show preterm children experience frequent oromotor eating difficulties and challenging eating behaviors throughout the early years. Given preterm birth increases risk of later obesity and diet-related chronic disease, research examining the effects of caregiver-child interactions on subsequent diet is warranted. This review was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42020176063.

Developing a Quality Improvement Feeding Program for NICU Patients

Practices in NICUs vary widely, particularly when clinical decisions involve complex tasks and multiple disciplines, which occurs with feeding preterm infants. Neonatal feeding difficulties in preterm infants often lead to prolonged tube feeding and therefore lengthened hospital stays. Education and compliance with evidence-based protocols and guidelines are needed on the initiation of feedings and feeding advancement to transform enteral and oral feeding practices and thus reduce practice variation and improve clinical outcomes.

Feeding Problems and Long-Term Outcomes in Preterm Infants—A Systematic Approach to Evaluation and Management

Preterm infants are known to have long-term healthcare needs. With advances in neonatal medical care, younger and more preterm infants are surviving, placing a subset of the general population at risk of long-term healthcare needs. Oral feeding problems in this population often play a substantial yet under-appreciated role. Oral feeding competency in preterm infants is deemed an essential requirement for hospital discharge. Despite achieving discharge readiness, feeding problems persist into childhood and can have a residual impact into adulthood. The early diagnosis and management of feeding problems are essential requisites to mitigate any potential long-term challenges in preterm-born adults. This review provides an overview of the physiology of swallowing and oral feeding skills, disruptions to oral feeding in preterm infants, the outcomes of preterm infants with feeding problems, and an algorithmic approach to the evaluation and management of neonatal feeding problems.

Milk Flow Rates From Bottle Nipples: What We Know and Why It Matters

Feeding difficulties are common in infants hospitalized in the NICU and can be a challenge to manage. The purpose of this article is to explain how and why the flow rate from the bottle nipple affects physiologic stability in infants and to describe the current evidence available on the flow rates of nipples used in the hospital and after discharge. Study results have indicated that flow rate varies widely among different types of nipples. Within the same type of nipple, there can be significant variability in flow from one nipple to another. Other factors, such as type of infant formula and thickening, also affect flow. Altering the flow rate of the bottle nipple is a relatively simple intervention that may support safe oral feeding.