Early versus delayed enteral nutrition for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy undergoing therapeutic hypothermia: a randomized controlled trial.

Summary

Single-centre randomised controlled trial in a Chinese level III NICU comparing early enteral nutrition (during therapeutic hypothermia and rewarming) with delayed enteral nutrition (after hypothermia) in neonates with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. Eighty infants were analysed; feeding intolerance occurred in about a quarter, with no significant difference between groups, and no differences in hypoglycaemia, late-onset bloodstream infection or weight gain. Early feeding was associated with shorter parenteral nutrition duration, time to full enteral feeds and hospital stay. The authors conclude early enteral nutrition following a feeding protocol may be feasible and safe during cooling.

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