Anemia of Prematurity and Oral Feeding Milestones in Premature Infants

Abstract

Objective Anemia of prematurity (AOP) and oral feeding problems are common in premature infants. This study aimed to determine the influence of AOP on aerodigestive outcomes and the duration to full Per Oral (PO). Study Design Prospectively collected data on premature infants who initiated oral feeds at ≤ 34 weeks' postmenstrual age were examined. Infants were categorized into “AOP+” and “AOP−” based on hematocrit at initial PO, that is, < 29 or ≥ 29%. Results Forty-four infants in AOP+ compared with 74 in AOP−. AOP+ infants had lower birth gestation and weight (p < 0.001). The anthropometrics at initial PO were similar. AOP+ had lower mean hematocrit and higher oxygen need at initial PO, and at full PO (p < 0.05). AOP+ reached full PO at a later gestation and took longer days from initial PO to full PO (p < 0.01). BPD, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH ≤ 2), and hospital stay were greater in the AOP+ (p < 0.05). After adjusting for covariates, initial PO hematocrit was not predictive of time to full PO [hazard ratio 1.3 (CI 0.88–2.0), p = 0.18]. Conclusion AOP is not independently associated with the duration to full PO. Supplemental oxygen for associated comorbidities may have compensated for the underlying anemia.