The value of routine evaluation of gastric residuals in very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: Little information exists regarding gastric residual (GR) evaluation prior to feedings in premature infants. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of feedings at 2 and 3 weeks of age, number of days to full feedings, growth and incidence of complications between infants who underwent RGR (routine evaluation of GR) evaluation versus those who did not. STUDY
DESIGN: Sixty-one premature infants were randomized to one of two groups. Group 1 received RGR evaluation prior to feeds and Group 2 did not. RESULT: There was no difference in amount of feeding at 2 (P=0.66) or 3 (P=0.41) weeks of age, growth, days on parenteral nutrition or complications. Although not statistically significant, infants without RGR evaluation reached feeds of 150 ml kg(-1) per day 6 days earlier and had 6 fewer days with central venous access.
CONCLUSION: RESULTs suggest RGR evaluation may not improve nutritional outcomes in premature infants.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes