Optimal Feeding Tube Dwell Time in VLBW Infants to Reduce Feeding Tube Contamination

Contaminated feeding tubes can occur in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and have been
associated with significant morbidity. Due to an immature immunologic systems, premature
infants are at significant risk of complications related to contaminated feeding tubes.
Feeding tube dwell time may affect the level of contamination. This study will determine if a
maximum feeding tube dwell time of 48 hours reduces contamination compared to a maximum
feeding tube dwell time of 7 days, thereby improving neonatal health outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

- be born to a mother who is at least 18 years of age and English-speaking

- born at < 30 weeks 3) have a birthweight < 1500 grams

- have a feeding tube placed within 12 hours of birth

- be expected to require a feeding tube for 4 weeks following birth.

Exclusion Criteria:

- infant with known GI anomalies

- infants which are not expected to live

- infants will be withdrawn from the study if they require abdominal surgery for GI
morbidities