Neither Motor Responses nor Gastric Emptying Vary in Response to Formula Temperature in Preterm Infants

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess gastrointestinal responses to formula temperature in preterm infants. Healthy preterm infants were fed 4,250 KJ/1 formula at 6, 24, and 37° C. There was no significant difference in the magnitude of antral or duodenal motor responses among the three temperatures. All infants emptied approximately one third of the bolus feeding by 20 min, but there was no difference among the temperatures. Approximately 10–20% of a bolus feeding remained in the stomach 2 h postprandially, but there was no difference among the temperatures. Thermoreceptors do not appear to be functionally present in the preterm infant, suggesting that the benefit of feeding warmed formula to the preterm infant my have a limited physiological value.

Cutaneous microcirculatory reaction to externally and internally applied cold caloric stimuli and its habituation

“…Furthermore, the functional significance of thermoreceptors has not been confirmed. Studies have shown conflicting results [1]. However, the absence of reaction to the stimulus applied by drinking cold water is more probably a result of central inhibition since there are cold-specific receptors in the mouth and larynx [1,10].…”

NICU Breast Milk Warming Practices and the Physiological Effects of Breast Milk Feeding Temperatures on Preterm Infants

“…Gastric functioning was examined in 5 studies. 15,[17][18][19][20] No differences in infants' antral or duodenal motor activity was observed among cold, room, and/or body temperature feeding groups. 18 Three research teams observed that the temperature of feedings made no difference in the percentage of feeds retained in the stomach.…”

“…15,[17][18][19][20] No differences in infants' antral or duodenal motor activity was observed among cold, room, and/or body temperature feeding groups. 18 Three research teams observed that the temperature of feedings made no difference in the percentage of feeds retained in the stomach. [18][19][20] However, Gonzales et al 15 noted significantly lower gastric residuals in the body temperature group (6%) compared with the cool (18%) and room temperature (22%) groups.…”

“…18 Three research teams observed that the temperature of feedings made no difference in the percentage of feeds retained in the stomach. [18][19][20] However, Gonzales et al 15 noted significantly lower gastric residuals in the body temperature group (6%) compared with the cool (18%) and room temperature (22%) groups. Metabolic rates did not differ between infants who received room or body temperature feedings.…”

Warming Infant Feeds: What is the Evidence and What are the Questions?

“…There were ten infants in each group, a very small number from which to draw conclusion and upon which to base changes in practice. One additional study had a similar design; feeding the same three temperatures of 10 C, 24 C and 37 C. 15 This study included 20 infants in a crossover design with gestational ages 32 to 36 weeks. In this study, residuals were measured two hours after the feeding but no significant difference was found between the groups.…”