Peer-reviewed article
Trajectory of Infant Problematic Feeding Symptoms: Study Protocol.
Suzanne M Thoyre, Jinhee Park, Jamie Crandell, Hayley Estrem, Kathleen Knafl et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This is a study protocol describing NewThru2, a longitudinal research project following over 200 infants from neonatal intensive care units through 24 months of age. The study aims to understand how feeding problems develop in at-risk infants, how biological factors and family feeding practices influence these problems, and how feeding difficulties affect growth and development. Researchers will collect data on feeding symptoms, infant health markers, family feeding practices, and child outcomes to better understand pediatric feeding disorders during this critical developmental period.
Key points
- Study follows infants with developmental risk factors from discharge from neonatal intensive care through 24 months of age
- Feeding symptoms are measured through clinical observation, medical records, and parent reports at multiple time points
- Child biological function including cardiorespiratory and autonomic nervous system function during feeding are assessed at discharge
- Family feeding environment measured through parental strategies, impact on family, and use of feeding services
- Outcomes include feeding skills, growth, and neurodevelopmental outcomes
Limitations
This is a study protocol describing planned methods rather than results, so no evidence of intervention effectiveness can be assessed. The document does not specify which country or countries the research will be conducted in, limiting understanding of the population and context.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Infants with developmental risk factors are more likely to have feeding problems and develop chronic feeding disorders. Early detection and understanding of the progression of problematic feeding and its relationship with a child's biological functioning and the family feeding environment will enhance effective symptom management and development of interventions to prevent pediatric feeding disorders. OBJECTIVES: The New Through Two (NewThru2) feeding study protocol is described. Study aims are to (a) characterize symptoms of problematic feeding and trajectories of symptoms from predischarge from neonatal intensive care through 24 months of age, (b) determine the relationship of child biological function at discharge with symptom characteristics and trajectories, (c) describe the child's feeding environment and its relationship to symptoms from discharge through 24 months, and (d) determine the relationship between problematic feeding symptoms and growth and developmental outcomes. METHODS: NewThru2 is a prospective, longitudinal, mixed-method study following over 200 infants who received care in a neonatal intensive care unit and were identified as at risk for compromised development. The study follows enrolled infants through 24 months of age. Symptoms of problematic feeding are measured predischarge by clinical observation and medical record review and postdischarge by parent report. Biological function is measured by medical history and cardiorespiratory and autonomic nervous system function during feeding prior to discharge. Child feeding environment is measured by strategies parents use to manage feeding, the effect of feeding on the parent and family, and the use of feeding services. A subset of parents is interviewed to achieve a contextual understanding of the family feeding environment. Child outcome measures include parent-reported feeding skills and clinician-reported growth and neurodevelopment. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will improve understanding of pediatric feeding disorders during a time of development sensitive to adequate nutrition and with infants at risk for developmental delays or impairments.