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ABSTRACT
Purpose
To investigate the occurrence of oral feeding problems in preterm infants up to one year after hospital discharge.
Methods
Thirty-six infants born <34 weeks gestation were enrolled in a prospective exploratory longitudinal pilot study prior to hospital discharge. Parents of eligible infants completed telephone questionnaires at 3, 6, and 12 months corrected gestational age. The occurrence and type of feeding problems; medical problems; and rehabilitation services received were collected.
Results
A total of 26 (72.2%) parents responded, with 11 (42%) identifying feeding problems that developed within the first year of life. Avoidant behavior (including crying, agitated/fussy, and refusing to eat) was the most common feeding problem that occurred.
Conclusion
Feeding problems in ‘healthy’ preterm infants may occur at any point in development within the first year of life. Increased screening after hospitalization is needed for early identification and to make appropriate referrals in a timely manner to prevent and/or reduce the severity of long-term feeding problems.
Disclosure Statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).