Background: We detected swallowing dysfunction by the modified barium swallow (MBS) test and determined risk factors for swallowing dysfunction in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with oral feeding desaturation near discharge.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 41 VLBW infants referred for MBS test because of significant oral feeding desaturation at ≥ 35 weeks of postmenstrual age. Infants who showed impaired airway protection, including inadequate epiglottic closure, laryngeal penetration and/or tracheal aspiration by MBS test, were compared to those without impaired airway protection.
Results: Eleven infants (26.8%) showed impaired airway protection by MBS test. They had a significantly lower gestational age at birth but a similar postmenstrual age compared to those without impaired airway protection. All infants with impaired airway protection were born at ≤ 28 weeks of gestation.
Conclusions: Swallowing dysfunction resulting in aspiration should be considered as a cause of significant oral feeding desaturation in infants born at ≤ 28 weeks of gestation regardless of postmenstrual age.