Dumpa, V., Kamity, R., Ferrara, L., Akerman, M., & Hanna, N. (2020). The effects of oral feeding while on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in preterm infants. Journal of Perinatology, 1-7.

Louisa Ferrara, PhD SLP contributes to the science that underpins our growing understanding of the potential risks of asking preterm infants to PO feed while they continue to require NCPAP. This information will inform your practice in the NICU and can promote needed discussion among members of the NICU interdisciplinary team

Objective To determine whether delaying oral feeding until coming off NCPAP will alter feeding and respiratory-related morbidities in preterm infants.

Design In this retrospective pre–post analysis, outcomes were compared in two preterm infant groups (≤32 weeks gestation).

Infants in Group 1 were orally fed while on NCPAP, while infants in Group 2 were only allowed oral feedings after ceasing NCPAP.

Results Although infants in Group 2 started feeds at a later postmenstrual age (PMA), they reached full oral feeding at a similar PMA compared with Group 1. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between the duration of oral feeding while on NCPAP and the time spent on respiratory support in Group 1.

Conclusions:  Delayed oral feeding until ceasing NCPAP did not contribute to feeding-related morbidities. We recommend caution when initiating oral feedings in preterm infants on NCPAP without evaluating the safety of the infants and their readiness for oral feedings.