Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the nutritional intake of the infants
through nasogastric (NG) feeding and the associated complications.
Methods: Ten infants (mean age=17.3± 9.3 days, mean wt=2.1± 0.5 Kg) were included in the
study. Nutrients and energy were calculated from the NG feed using food composition
tables. Monitoring protocol and complications were observed.
Results: The mean total energy intake was 114.62 ± 9.48 Kcal/day (47% of RDA). The mean
protein intake was 1.25 ± 0.07 g/day, fulfilling only 27 % of the requirements. The mean per
day intakes of Ca, P, Zn, Fe, and Mg and mean per day intake of vitamins A, D, E, B6, B12,
folate, thiamin, and ascorbic acid from NG tube were much lower than RDA. Aspiration,
reflux, tube blockage, tube displacement, gut infection and diarrhea were noted. Monitoring
of NG feed was satisfactory.
Conclusion: The intake of protein and energy and frequency of most of complications is an
issue of concern. Stress must be placed to increase the energy and nutrients intake
(particularly protein), further strengthening monitoring and to minimize associated
complications of NG feeding in neonates. (Rawal Med J 2006;31:25-28)
Key words: Neonates, Low birth weight, nutrition
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