Three-hourly feeding intervals are associated with faster advancement in very preterm infants

Abstract Objective To compare the effect of two-hourly (Q2H) vs. three-hourly (Q3H) feeding on time to achieve full enteral feeding, growth metrics and respiratory tolerance in very preterm infants with birth weight ≤ 1250 g. Study design Retrospective study review of 18 months before and after a change in our feeding guideline from Q3H to Q2H feedings. Results 113 infants were included, 59 in Q3H and 54 in Q2H groups. Q2H infants required 10% more days to achieve full enteral feeding, however it was not statistically significant (P = 0.054). Q2H feeding was associated with 16% more central catheter days (P = 0.02) and 17% more parenteral nutrition days (P = 0.019). There were no differences in respiratory outcomes or growth metrics between the groups. Conclusion Very preterm infants fed Q3H had less central catheter and parenteral nutrition days when compared to those fed Q2H, without significant differences in growth or respiratory outcomes.