Usefulness of Mean Gastric Emptying Time in Late Preterm and Term AGA and SGA Newborns to Determine Feeding Frequency—An Observational Study

Abstract

Objectives The primary objective is to calculate and compare mean gastric emptying time in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) newborns. The secondary objective is to compare mean gastric emptying time in SGA babies with or without antenatal Doppler changes and to measure gastric spheroidal volume at various intervals in AGA and SGA newborns with or without antenatal Doppler changes. Methods This prospective observational study was carried over 3 months from November 2022 to January 2023. A total of 30 newborns were enrolled and their gastric spheroidal volume was calculated by ultrasound pre-feed and post-feed every 30 minutes till it reached within 10% of pre-feed volume which was taken as gastric emptying time. Mean gastric emptying time was compared among AGA and SGA newborns and amongst SGA with or without antenatal Doppler changes. Results Mean gastric emptying time of AGA was 124 ± ± 25.01 minutes and for SGA was 132 ± 29.57 minutes which was statistically nonsignificant. Mean gastric emptying time when compared between SGA neonates with or without antenatal Doppler changes was similar (P value .43). The gastric spheroidal volume was significantly smaller in SGA newborns compared to their AGA counterparts in pre-feed state (P value .01) and it persisted till 60 minutes post feed (P value .028); however, the mean gastric emptying time is similar in both the groups. Conclusion Mean gastric emptying time of AGA and SGA newborns is similar and hence a feeding interval of 1.5 to 2.5 hours is appropriate for these late preterm and term newborns. Antenatal Doppler changes in SGA babies did not alter their gastric emptying time hence similar feeding frequency can be used in both.