Noninvasive Respiratory Support and Feeding in the Neonate
Background Preterm neonates are at risk for respiratory illness including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Recent advancements in neonatal medicine have introduced less invasive forms of respiratory support for neonates with RDS and BPD, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and humidified “high-flow” therapy via nasal cannula (HFNC). There is limited evidence documenting the impact of these respiratory supports on neonatal swallowing function. Objective This article presents the results of a structured literature review that sought to determine the evidence to support the practice of feeding neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by mouth while on CPAP or HFNC. Methods A systematic search of PubMed was completed to identify relevant, peer-reviewed literature reporting original data that addressed the identified objective. Results Five studies were identified that related to oral feeding and/or swallowing while on CPAP or HFNC in neonates. Conclusions Given the limited evidence available to support the practice of feeding neonates in the NICU by mouth while on CPAP or HFNC, and the potential for adverse respiratory events related to the underlying respiratory disease, the authors urge caution with this practice, and highlight the urgent need for further research in this area.