Rumination--a new complication of neonatal intensive care.

The infant rumination syndrome has not been previously reported in a neonatal intensive care setting. We recently managed three infants in our newborn intensive care unit who developed rumination following chronic courses in the unit. The events leading to this condition in each infant are described, as well as the successful treatment program that was instituted. With recognition of factors predisposing to this disorder, the problem may be avoided, providing these infants with the best chance for optimal development despite the need for prolonged intensive care.