Comparison of Feeding Strategies for Infants With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction:Infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome are at risk for growth failure, particularly after stage 1 procedures. The effect of continuous enteral feedings on weight gain has not been previously investigated.Methods:A randomized controlled trial was performed in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and single ventricle variants after stage 1 procedures. Eligible infants were randomized to a continuous and intermittent feeding regimen or an exclusive intermittent feeding regimen after stage 1 procedures and continued until hospital discharge. Anthropometric measures and markers of nutritional status were assessed throughout hospitalization.Results:Twenty-six infants completed the study. There were no significant differences in weight gain, growth, or nutritional status. Weight gain on full enteral feedings was 24.3 versus 23.6 g/d (P = .88) for the combination (continuous and intermittent) versus intermittent feeding groups. Weight-for-age Z scores at discharge were −1.37 versus −1.2...