The Effect of Prone Position on Gastric Residuals in Preterm Infants

Background: Gastric residual is a common problem in preterm infants. Position after feeding affects the gastric residuals in preterm infants. This study aims to determine the effect of changing the infant's position on gastric residuals.

Method: This study was conducted a cross-over study in a level III neonatal intensive care unit. Gavage of the neonates was conducted in two stages. The first stage was conducted with a volume feeding of 50 cc per kg every day of milk and the second stage was done with a volume feeding of 100 cc per kg every day. After feeding, infants were placed in the desired position (prone) for 180 minutes and the gastric residuals were measured and recorded. Half of the neonates considered as control group. Data were analyzed by independent-samples paired t-test, Mc Namara’s test, and Fisher and Pearson test.

Results: This study's findings indicated that residuals in preterm infants after 180 min in the prone position was less than residuals in infants after 180 min in the control group – this result is the same for both volume 50 cc/kg/day and 100 cc/kg/day (P=0.0001).

Conclusion: Considering there's less gastric residual in a prone position, placement of infants after feeding and then changing the position according to the behavior cues of them is recommended. These results could help health care professionals to provide efficient feeding, as well as perform the appropriate positioning of preterm infants.