Effect of Aspiration and Evaluation of Gastric Residuals on Intestinal Inflammation, Bleeding, and Gastrointestinal Peptide Level.

Randomized trial in 143 preterm VLBW infants found that omitting routine gastric residual checks before feedings did not affect gastrointestinal function, inflammatory markers (calprotectin, S100A12), or occult bleeding compared to standard practice. Results suggest routine gastric residual evaluation may be unnecessary in this population.