General and nutritional protocol nasogastric [NG] feeding of neonates in a public hospital of peshawar, NWFP

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the nutritional intake of the infants through nasogastric [NG] feeding and the associated complications. Ten infants [mean age=17.3 +/- 9.3 days, mean wt=2.1 +/- 0.5 Kg] were included in the study. Nutrients and energy were calculated from the NG feed using food composition tables. Monitoring protocol and complications were observed. The mean total energy intake was 114.62 +/- 9.48 Kcal/day [47% of RDA]. The mean protein intake was 1.25 +/- 0.07 g/day, fulfilling only 27% of the requirements. The mean per day intakes of Ca, P, Zn, Fe, and Mg and mean per day intake of vitamins A, D, E, B6, B12, folate, thiamin, and ascorbic acid from NG tube were much lower than RDA. Aspiration, reflux, tube blockage, tube displacement, gut infection and diarrhea were noted. Monitoring of NG feed was satisfactory. The intake of protein and energy and frequency of most of complications is an issue of concern. Stress must be placed to increase the energy and nutrients intake [particularly protein], further strengthening monitoring and to minimize associated complications of NG feeding in neonates