← Podcasts & articles

The role of feeding advancement strategy on length of stay and hospital costs in newborns with gastroschisis

articles · StayCurrentMD · Apr 19, 2021
Abstract

Background

: Infants with gastroschisis require prolonged hospitalization for surgical repair and gradual advancement of feeds. The present study explores the effect of a change in a protocolized enteral feeding regimen with length of hospital stay (LOS) and total costs in newborns with gastroschisis.

Methods

: A retrospective review was performed in neonates with uncomplicated gastroschisis at a free-standing pediatric institution from 2012 to 2020. The effect of two different enteral feed advancement protocols on clinical outcomes and hospital costs was analyzed.

Results

: Seventy-four patients were identified, of which 50 (68%) underwent 10 ml/kg/day feeding advancements, and 24 (32%) underwent 20 ml/kg/day feeding advancements. Compared to neonates who underwent 10 ml/kg/day enteral advancements, neonates receiving 20 ml/kg/day advancements reached goal feeds faster (14 vs 20 days, p

Open