Pilot Study of Sham Feeding in Postoperative Neonates

Objective Sham feeding may enhance development of oral skills in neonates after bowel surgery and decrease stress levels in mothers. In this pilot study, we test the feasibility of sham feeding, identify safety hazards, and assess maternal satisfaction. Study Design A convenience sample of 15 postoperative neonates was enrolled. Sham feeding with unfortified human milk was offered following a strict advancement protocol beginning with 5 mL once daily and increasing up to 30 mL, three times daily. Continuous gastric suction was used during sham feeding. Each mother completed a satisfaction survey. Sham-fed gastroschisis patients were compared with a historic cohort. Results All 15 patients were able to sham feed. A total of 312 sham feeds were offered with a median of 23 sham events per patient. Four minor complications occurred during sham feeding. No differences were noted between 11 sham-fed gastroschisis patients and 81 historic controls. The mothers reported a decrease in stress after sham feeding using a 5-point score (3.8 ± 1.4 vs. 1.5 ± 0.7, p < 0.005) and 100% satisfaction with sham feeding. Conclusion Sham feeding is feasible for neonates after bowel surgery and is highly rated by mothers. Key Points

Paediatric abdominal compartment syndrome and shock associated with gastric volvulus improved rapidly by gastric suction in the emergency department

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is not rare and has a high mortality in the paediatric intensive care unit. However, there are few reports about this in the emergency department (ED). We report an 8 month-old male patient with ACS in shock associated with gastric volvulus who improved rapidly by a simple procedure in the ED. He had congenital comorbidities, including multiple cranial anomalies and was transferred because of decreased mental status. He had compensated shock with cold and mottled skin of the lower extremities, paediatric Glasgow Coma Scale of E3V5M6 and prominence of the left upper abdomen. The abdominal X-ray showed a considerably distended stomach. Soon after aspiration of gastric contents, shock and mental status improved. Physicians should consider ACS in the differential diagnosis of shock with abdominal distention. ACS may be ameliorated by gastric suction. Gastric volvulus can induce shock and decreased mental status, particularly in patients with comorbidities.