Comparison of sucking patterns at introduction of oral feeding and at term in Israeli and American preterm infants

Abstract

It has been hypothesized that early initiation of oral feeding in premature infants may enhance the maturation of sucking patterns. To compare preterm infant sucking characteristics in urban level III neonatal care units in the USA and Israel. The two hospitals have different practices regarding the introduction of oral feeding. Infants were assessed at 34-35 wk postconceptional age (PCA) and at term. Sucking parameters were assessed with the Kron's Nutritive Sucking Apparatus. 70 infants (38 Americans and 32 Israelis) participated in the study. Oral feedings were initiated earlier (32.6 +/- 4.3 vs 34.5 +/- 1.8 wk PCA, p < 0.01) and full oral feedings were reached earlier (35.4 +/- 2.8 vs 36.5 +/- 2.5 wk PCA, p < 0.05) in the USA infants. American preterm infants produced significantly more sucks (p < 0.001), had a higher suck rate (p < 0.001), more sucks per burst (p < 0.05), and a shorter interburst width (p < 0.01) at 34 wk PCA than Israeli infants. At term, American infants produced significant more sucks (p < 0.001), higher suck rate (p < 0.001), shorter intersuck width (p < 0.001), and a shorter interburst width (p < 0.05) than the Israeli infants of the same PCA. Different practices in the care of preterm infants, such as postconceptional age at introduction of oral feeding, may play a role in the development of feeding and feeding organization at term.