Prevalence of problematic feeding in young children born prematurely: A meta-analysis

Prematurity
Written By Britt Pados

In a meta-analysis of 22 research studies involving 4381 children born preterm (< 37 weeks gestation), we found that 42% of these children had some degree of problematic feeding in the first 4 years of life. Problematic feeding is common in infants born preterm. Healthcare providers need to screen children born preterm for feeding difficulties throughout early childhood and consider early referral to feeding specialists when feeding challenges are present.

Authors: Britt Pados, Rebecca Hill, Joy Yamasaki, Jonathan Litt, & Chris Lee

Publication information: BMC Pediatrics. 2021; 21: 110. doi: 10.1186/s12887-021-02574-7

This paper is available for free and open access on the publisher’s website, click here.

Britt Pados
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Preterm infants born before 32 weeks gestation experience more symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in the first 6 months of life than infants born at later gestational ages
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