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.