Clinical study of prevention of feeding intolerance for very low birth weigh infants by the early feeding

Objective: To investigate the effects and clinical significance of early minimal feeding and non-nutritive sucking for very low birth weight infants(VLBWI) to prevent. feeding intolerance. Methods: Sixty-nine cases of VLBWI were randomly divided into treatment group(30 cases) ,who were given early minimal feeding and non-nutritive sucking, and control group(39 cases) ,who were given the traditional method to feed. The time of recovering to birth weight, reaching whole enteral feeding and meconium emptying, and the number of cases of feeding intolerance were recorded. Results: In treatment group, the time of recovering birth weight, reaching whole enteral feeding and meconium emptying were shorter and the rates of feeding intolerance were lower than control group(P ＜ 0. 05 to P ＜ 0. 01) . Conclusions: Early feeding intervention can promote intestinal mature, reduce the feeding problems,and improve the nutritional status of very low birth weight infants.