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.