Method of Home Tube Feeding and 2–3-year Neurodevelopmental Outcome

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To describe the Bayley Scales of Infant Development 3rd Edition (Bayley-III) of infants discharged home receiving tube feeds Study Design: Retrospective review of infants discharged with nasogastric or gastrostomy tube feeds and completed a Bayley-III assessment at 2-3-years of age through a neonatal follow-up program. Results were reported using descriptive statistics. Results: Of infants discharged with nasogastric feeds, median Bayley-III scores were in the low-average to average range and full oral feeds were achieved in 75%. Of infants discharged with gastrostomy tube feeds, median Bayley-III scores were in the extremely low range and full oral feeds were achieved in 36%. Our data set did not demonstrate a distinct patient demographic that correlated to the type of feeding tube at discharge. Conclusion: Neurodevelopmental outcome at 2–3 years does not appear to be negatively impacted by the decision to discharge an infant from the NICU with home NG feedings.