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Semin Speech Lang 1997; 18(3): 239-261
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1064075
© 1997 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Common Feeding Problems in the Intensive Care Nursery: Maturation, Organization, Evaluation, and Management Strategies

Joan Dietrich Comrie1 , James M. Helm2
  • 1Private Practice, Raleigh, North Carolina
  • 2Wake AHEG-Pediatrics, Wake Medical Center, Raleigh, North Carolina; Department of Pediatrics and Medical Allied Health Professions, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Department of Special Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 May 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This paper reviews current literature on feeding and swallowing of the premature and high-risk infant. It addresses issues of maturation and organization that affect feeding abilities. Evaluation issues including instrumental evaluations (e.g., cervical auscultation, modified barium swallow studies) are discussed. Finally, common problems seen in this population are described along with the wide range of management strategies to consider. Whenever intervening with this fragile population a team approach must be used; the individual needs and behavioral cues of the infant must be read, respected, and responded to, while ensuring that families play an integral part of the process.

KEY WORDS

premature infants - intensive care nursery - feeding - neonatal dysphagia

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