Neil R M Buist

Abstract

Background: Feeding problems in small infants are extremely common; they are usually assessed by trained clinical observers. We describe a small device that captures continuous sucking pressures that can be used to provide information about a number of oral physiologic parameters during sucking. There is nothing conceptually new about our system, but we have used it to develop an automated, computerized data processing and analytical programme [Lang]. We have used this device to examine normal & high-risk neonates during regular feeding to develop some normal parameters. Methods: A 12cm pressure chamber is fitted with a pressure monitor that feeds continuous data to a computer and a nipple; milk or feed is held in a regular feeding bottle. Infants can be held by caregivers during testing. Audience Takeaway:  They should learn about sucking characteristics in neonates as recorded in real time by continuous electronic capture. Such data can then be used for subsequent clinical and statistical analyses.   Normal values for a number of sucking parameters, such as periodicity, frequency, consistency strength, maturational patterns will be shown.  The potential value of such studies in neonatal care will be discussed.  Detection of oral-motor dysfunction in early infancy could lead to earlier and more directed therapy.