Method of home tube feeding and 2-3-year neurodevelopmental outcome

Abstract

Objective: To describe the Bayley Scales of Infant Development 3rd Edition (Bayley-III) of infants discharged home receiving tube feeds.

Study design: Retrospective review of infants discharged with nasogastric or gastrostomy tube feeds and completed a Bayley-III assessment at 2-3-years of age through a neonatal follow-up program. Results were reported using descriptive statistics.

Results: Of infants discharged with nasogastric feeds, median Bayley-III scores were in the low-average to average range, and full oral feeds were achieved in 75%. Of infants discharged with gastrostomy tube feeds, median Bayley-III scores were in the extremely low range, and full oral feeds were achieved in 36%. Our data set did not demonstrate a distinct patient demographic that correlated to the type of feeding tube at discharge.

Conclusion: Neurodevelopmental outcome at 2-3 years does not appear to be negatively impacted by the decision to discharge an infant from the NICU with home NG feedings.