A PROSPECTIVE STUDY COMPARING FEEDING METHODS IN VLBW INFANTS. † 1126

To test the hypothesis that VLBW infants fed by continuous nasogastric gavage (CNG) would reach full enteral feeding (100 kcal/kg/day) earlier and have less feeding intolerance (FI) than those fed by intermittent bolus gavage(IBG), 80 infants with B.W. 700-1250g were stratified and randomized into CNG or IBG groups. Isocaloric premature formula was given to all infants based on a strict feeding protocol. An infant whose feedings were withheld for ≥12 hrs was considered to have an episode of FI. CNG and IBG groups were comparable in BW (Mean ± SD) 1006 ± 168 vs. 995 ± 143g; GA28.8 ± 1.9 vs. 28.9 ± 2.1 wks; sex and race. Feedings were started in CNG group at 5.7 ± 2.1 vs. 5.6 ± 2.2 days in IBG. Outcome is shown: Table