Relationship between feeding milestones and comorbidities with the postnatal growth in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between feeding milestones and the postnatal growth of preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of 77 infants born <32 weeks' gestation. Growth variables at birth and discharge were converted to age- and sex-specific z-scores. Postnatal growth faltering (PGF) was defined as loss of >2 weight z-scores (severe) or simultaneous loss of >1 weight, length, and head circumference z-scores (complex). RESULTS: The prevalence of severe and complex PGF was 11.7% and 22%, respectively. Infants <28 weeks' gestation experienced more PGF (severe: 22.2%; complex: 33.3%) and feeding delays. Older age at first and full enteral feeding, and longer transition from first to full enteral feeding, were associated with slower growth (All, p < 0.05). Feeding delays were associated with prolonged hospitalization (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Feeding milestones and postnatal growth are interrelated. Earlier attainment of feeding milestones may support more favorable growth outcomes in preterm-born infants.