Effect of Non-aspirated Gastric Residual Content on Preterm Infants' Health Status

Abstract Purpose: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of non-gastric residual aspiration on preterm infant health statusMethods: The study utilized a quasi-experimental (control and intervention) design. Sixty premature infants were cared for at El Manial University Hospital and Elmonira Pediatric Hospital NICUS. Four tools were utilized: (I) Neonatal personal data; (II) gastric residual observational checklist; (III) the Fenton Growth Weight Chart; and (IV) Modified Bell's Staging Criteria for Necrotizing EnterocolitisResults: The mean gastric amount in the intervention group was 1.45 ± 0.35, while the control group was 2.53 ± 0.49, with a p-value <0.05. The mean days to full enteral intake of 120 ml kg per day of the intervention group was 7.21±0.66, while the control group was 9.72±0.85, with a slightly significant difference at p-value <0.05. The minority of the intervention group suffered from sepsis, while about one-quarter at the control group. According to NEC, the minority of the intervention group suffered definite.Conclusion: Eliminating routine prefeed gastric aspirate monitoring decreases late-onset sepsis, permits preterm infants to receive complete enteral feeds sooner, and allows them to leave the hospital sooner. It also did not affect the likelihood of mortality or NEC.