Feeding tolerance with non-invasive ventilation
Although the Behnke et al study raises interesting hypotheses as to how
achievement of enteral nutrition may relate to BPD, as described by the
authors, the most impactful result of this study is the tolerance of
enteral nutrition and greater growth trajectory in a very preterm infant
population in which 75% received non-invasive ventilation. As a
single-site study, and with large neonatal practice variation in
site-specific diagnosis of feeding intolerance, support from further
observational studies or clinical trials will strengthen the authors’
conclusion. This study calls into question the practice of limiting
enteral nutrition advancement in infants receiving non-invasive
respiratory support.