Manometry can predict feeding readiness in preterm infants.

To assess the usefulness of duodenojejunal manometry in predicting when neonates will tolerate enteral feeding, small intestinal manometry was performed in 48 preterm infants. Characteristics of motor activity during fasting and feeding differed in 40 infants who were identified to be tolerant and 8 who were intolerant of feeding. Among infants who were feeding intolerant, motor quiescence was less pronounced and clustered motor activity more prominent than it was in infants who were able to tolerate feedings (P < 0.005). Those infants who tolerated feedings changed their pattern of motor activity in response to feeding (P < 0.01), and infants who did not tolerate feedings had no "fed response." Infants who were initially feeding intolerant became tolerant of feedings coincident with the appearance of motor activity that was similar to that of infants who were initially tolerant to food. The sensitivity of manometry to predict feeding intolerance was 1.0, and its specificity was 0.13.