Quantitative assessment of nutritive sucking patterns in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess patterns of nutritive sucking in very preterm infants ≤32 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: Very preterm infants who attained independent oral feeding were prospectively assessed with an instrumented feeding bottle that measures nutritive sucking. The primary outcome measure was nutritive sucking performance at independent oral feeding. RESULT: We assessed nutritive sucking patterns in 33 very preterm infants. We recorded 63 feeding sessions. The median number of sucks was 784 (IQR: 550-1053), the median sucking rate was 36/min (IQR: 27-55), and the median number of sucking bursts during the first 5 min of oral feeding was 14 (IQR: 12-16). Maximum sucking strength correlated with the number of sucks (r = 0.62; p < 0.01). No safety concerns were identified during the study. CONCLUSION: The quantitative analysis of nutritive sucking patterns with a newly developed instrumented bottle in stable, very preterm infants is safe and feasible. More research is needed to develop and refine the instrument further.

Adaptive capacity of 2- to 5-month-old infants to the flow, shape, and flexibility of different teats during bottle feeding: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Nutritive sucking is a complex activity, the biomechanical components of which may vary in relation to respiratory phase, swallow-rate per minute, suck-swallow ratio, and swallow non-inspiratory flow (SNIF). Quantitative measurement of these components during nutritive sucking in healthy infants could help us to understand the complex development of sucking, swallowing, and breathing. This is important because the coordination between these components is often disturbed in infants with feeding difficulties. The aims of this study were to describe the biomechanical components of sucking and swallowing in healthy 2- to 5-month-old infants during bottle feeding, to assess whether infants adapt to the characteristics of two different teats, and to determine which independent variables influence the occurrence of SNIF. METHODS: Submental muscle activity, nasal airflow, and cervical auscultation were evaluated during bottle-feeding with two different teats. RESULTS: Sixteen term-born infants (6 boys) aged 2-5 months were included. All infants showed variable inhalation and exhalation after swallowing. The swallow rate per minute was significantly higher when infants fed with a higher flow teat (Philips Avent Natural 2.0™). Infants had suck:swallow ratios ranging from 1:1 to 4:1. A suck:swallow ratio of 1:1 occurred significantly more often when infants fed with a higher flow teat, whereas a suck:swallow ratio of 2:1 occurred significantly more often when infants fed with a low-flow teat (Philips Avent Classic+™). A suck:swallow ratio of 1:1 was negatively correlated with SNIF, whereas a suck:swallow ratio of 2:1 was positively correlated with SNIF. CONCLUSION: Healthy infants aged 2-5 months can adapt to the flow, shape, and flexibility of different teats, showing a wide range of biomechanical and motor adaptations.

Quantifying the Impact of Common Feeding Interventions on Nutritive Sucking Performance Using a Commercially Available Smart Bottle.

An estimated 25% to 40% of infants experience difficulties with learning to breast- or bottle-feed. Yet, guidelines and evidence-based support for common feeding practices are limited. The objective of this case report was to quantify the impact of feeding interventions on nutritive sucking performance after discharge in an outpatient setting. This observational case series involved 2 infants. To determine the impact of cumulative interventions, pre- and postintervention effect sizes were calculated. Sucking performance metrics of interest included nipple movement peak sucking amplitude, duration, frequency, and smoothness. Interventions included positional changes and changes in nipple flow rate, among others. For both infants, cumulative interventions had the greatest impact on suck frequency; postintervention, infants were able to increase their rate of nutritive sucking per burst. Other aspects of sucking performance were differentially impacted for each baby. Researchers agree that neonatal and infant feeding has been understudied and that the evidence for common interventions needs to be strengthened. We have demonstrated the implementation of readily available technology that can be used to quantify the direct impact of any intervention on actual sucking performance. In doing so, we can individualize care to support skill development and improve outcomes for infants at risk for ongoing feeding challenges.

A randomized crossover trial comparing the Nifty cup to a medicine cup in preterm infants who have difficulty breastfeeding at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: Preterm infants make up the majority of the 9 million babies born in Africa and South Asia requiring supplemental feedings as they transition to exclusive breastfeeding. The World Health Organization recommends the use of a cup to feed newborns with breastfeeding difficulties in low-resource settings. We set out to evaluate the Nifty cup, a new feeding cup designed specifically for infants with breastfeeding difficulties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized clinical trial in Ghana. We hypothesized infants would prefer the Nifty cup and that it would have less spillage as compared to a medicine cup. We enrolled mothers and preterm infants with breastfeeding difficulties indicated to cup feed at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Each mother-infant pair used the Nifty cup and a standard medicine cup; and two feeding assessments with each cup were conducted. We employed an intent-to-treat analysis comparing cup preference using a Wilcoxon signed rank test and spillage using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: We enrolled 200 mothers and 237 infants. Many infants were very low birth weight (62%), less than two weeks old (62%), and multiple birth (29%). In response to separate questions about each cup, more mothers reported liking the Nifty cup a lot as compared to the medicine cup (85% versus 57%, p<0.001). When asked to choose between the two cups, more than 75% preferred the Nifty cup (p < 0.001). There was slightly less spillage with the Nifty cup (8.9%) versus the medicine cup (9.3%), which was not statistically significant (p = 0.35). Mothers reported greater confidence and ease of using the Nifty cup and greater use one-month post-discharge compared to the medicine cup (p-values <0.001). Nearly all mothers were breastfeeding and cup feeding their infants at study initiation and at one-month post-discharge. DISCUSSION: This is the first randomized clinical trial of cup feeding in sub-Saharan Africa. Mothers prefer the Nifty cup to a medicine cup for supplemental feeds to their preterm infant. The Nifty cup was used with greater ease and confidence. The Nifty cup can offer an improved feeding experience for the mother-infant pair.

Household Contamination of Baby Bottles and Opportunities to Improve Bottle Hygiene in Peri-Urban Lima, Peru.

Feeding of infant formula using contaminated bottles may be an important transmission pathway of enteric pathogens during early life. Determinants of suboptimal bottle hygiene and the feasibility and acceptability of intervention strategies have not been well assessed. We evaluated the extent of bottle contamination, its contributing factors, and options for promoting improved bottle hygiene in a Peruvian shantytown. During Phase 1, we sampled from bottles and caregiver hands (n = 48) and processed for enumeration of total coliform and Escherichia coli colony-forming units. A semi-structured questionnaire captured bottle use and hygiene practices. Phase 2 involved the identification of candidate practices to recommend to caregivers. Phase 3 consisted of a behavioral trial in which 14 caregivers were educated about improved practices for bottle disinfection and later reported on their experiences implementing them. Fecal bacteria were detected in 43.8% of bottles sampled during Phase 1 and in 21.7% of hands. Caregivers overall did not use effective methods for disinfecting bottles, displayed misunderstandings surrounding hygienic practices, and few had ever discussed bottle hygiene with a health provider. Findings from the behavioral trial indicated that the improved practice of brushing the bottle with dish detergent for 30 seconds after every use is preferable to boiling the bottle for several minutes daily as caregivers reported that the brush was simple to use, efficient, and practical. The promotion of a bottle brush and detergent is a feasible and acceptable intervention strategy in peri-urban settings, and future research should evaluate its long-term effectiveness for reducing bottle contamination.

Development and validation of a LC-MS/MS method for the analysis of bisphenol a in polyethylene terephthalate.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely recognized being an endocrine disrupter and it is employed in many food packaging applications. Although it is not intended to take part in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) food grade, the presence of BPA in recycled PET should not be neglected. To satisfy the increasing need to ensure "BPA-free" articles, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed. The crucial step in the sample preparation was the total dissolution/reprecipitation of the polymer. The repeatability of the method (RSD%, n = 6) was lower than 7.6%, while HorRat values ranged between 0.3 and 0.5. Limits of detection and quantitation were 1.0 and 3.3 ng g-1, respectively. Recovery ranged from 89 to 107%. The method was applied to 23 samples of virgin and recycled pellets, preforms and bottles. Migration tests were also carried out. Results shown significantly higher levels of BPA in recycled PET.

Therapeutic effect of a cleft lip teat on infants with respiratory and feeding disorders: Two case reports.

RATIONALE: Existing research into the effects of teat application has mainly focused on its negative and positive influence on the development of the oral cavity. Our work demonstrates that apart from changing the setting of the articulatory organs, the teat can also affect the quality of breathing, eating and sleeping. PATIENTS CONCERNS: We described the cases of 2 children: a 19-month-old girl and a 2.5-month-old boy, who had breathing disorders due to withdrawal of the tongue and impaired food intake. INTERVENTION: The babies were bottled fed with a special teat for cleft lip patients to observe the influence of the teat on the setting of the articulatory organs and breathing. DIAGNOSIS: We suspected that the specific construction of the teat-the wide outer part and the short internal part-would affect children's reflexes and articulatory organs so as to force the frontal position of the tongue, which was meant to facilitate breathing and eating. OUTCOMES: It was found that feeding with the cleft lip teat stimulates the gyro-linguistic muscle, which results in the proper position of the tongue and consequently better breathing and improved quality of sleep. LESSONS: A specialist bottle teat designed for babies with cleft lips can constitute an effective tool in the therapy of nonspecific respiratory disorders resulting from improper position of the tongue and other articulatory organs.

Preterm Infant Feeding: A Mechanistic Comparison between a Vacuum Triggered Novel Teat and Breastfeeding.

The goal for preterm infants is to achieve full oral feeds quickly and ultimately progress to full breastfeeding. Supplementary oral feeds are often given when the mother is not available to breastfeed. Bottles typically deliver milk in a different fashion compared to breastfeeding, which is thought to hamper transition to full breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to compare the sucking dynamics of preterm infants fed at the breast to feeding with an experimental novel teat (NT) designed to release milk only upon the application of vacuum. Simultaneous ultrasound imaging of the infant oral cavity and measurement of intra-oral vacuum was performed during a breastfeed and a feed with the NT. Test weighs were used to measure milk intake. Linear mixed effects models were performed to investigate differences by feed type, and simultaneous linear regression was performed to investigate individual patterns. Tongue movement was not different between breastfeeding and the NT. Intra-oral vacuums (median (interquartile range: IQR)) were significantly lower with the NT (Baseline vacuum: -5.8 mmHg (-11.0, 0.1); Peak: 40.0 mmHg (-54.6, -27.1)) compared to breastfeeding (Baseline: -31.1 mmHg (-60.0, -12.7); Peak: -106.2 mmHg (-153.0, -65.5)). Milk intake was significantly higher with the NT (33 mL (22.5, 42.5)) compared to the breastfeed (12 mL (3, 15.5)). The novel teat encouraged a similar tongue action to breastfeeding, and infants transferred a greater volume of milk with the novel teat. Intra-oral vacuums were lower in strength with the novel teat compared to the breast. Use of the novel teat for the training of sucking dynamics in preterm infants has the potential to improve breastfeeding success and requires further investigation.

Effect of Single-Use, Laser-Cut, Slow-Flow Nipples on Respiration and Milk Ingestion in Preterm Infants.

PURPOSE: Single-use, laser-cut, slow-flow nipples were evaluated for their effect on respiration and milk ingestion in 13 healthy preterm infants (32.7-37.1 weeks postmenstrual age) under nonlaboratory, clinical conditions. METHOD: The primary outcomes of minute ventilation and overall milk transfer were measured by using integrated nasal airflow and volume-calibrated bottles during suck bursts and suck burst breaks during slow-flow and standard-flow nipple bottle feedings. Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used to test the effect of nipple type on both outcomes. RESULTS: Prefeeding minute ventilation decreased significantly during suck bursts and returned to baseline values during suck burst breaks across both slow-flow and standard-flow nipples. No differences were found in minute ventilation (p > .40) or overall milk transfer (p = .58) between slow-flow and standard-flow nipples. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of difference in primary outcomes between the single-use slow-flow and standard-flow nipples may reflect variability in nipple properties among nipples produced by the same manufacturer. Future investigations examining the effect of both single-use and reusable nipple products are warranted to better guide nipple selection during clinical care.

Volume marker inaccuracies: A cross-sectional survey of infant feeding bottles.

A cross-sectional examination of the accuracy of volume markers on infant feeding bottles available for sale in Australia between December 2013 and February 2014 was carried out. Ninety-one bottles representing 28 different brands were examined. Eighty-eight bottles were hard sided. Volumes in these bottles were marked in a combination of milliliters and ounces. Thirty-six (41%) bottles claimed compliance with the European standard EN14350, five (6%) with non-existent Australian standards, and forty-seven (54%) bottles had no standard claim. Nineteen bottles (22%) had at least one measured marking outside the tolerance of EN14350. Bottles claiming compliance with EN14350 were not less likely to have inaccurate markings than those that made no claim. More expensive bottles did not have fewer inaccurate markings. Three bottles were disposable liner systems and had particularly large volume inaccuracies (up to 43% outside the marked volume). Inaccurate volume markers on infant feeding bottles are a previously neglected but potentially important source of error in the reconstitution of infant formula. Over-concentrated and under-concentrated infant formula can cause serious illness or malnutrition. Over-concentrated infant formula may contribute to obesity. Bottles with inaccurate volume markers are unfit for purpose; disposable liner bottles are particularly poor in this regard and should be prohibited from having volume markers on the bottle casing. To avoid individual or public harms, well-enforced standards are needed. Guidance for parents, carers, and health professionals is needed to ensure that infant formula is accurately reconstituted.

Evaluation of the potential health risks of substances migrating from polycarbonate replacement baby bottles.

Since the European Commission prohibited the use of bisphenol A in the production of polycarbonate (PC) baby bottles, many other materials have replaced PC for the manufacture of this type of food contact materials. In the present study, the potential migration risks associated with these alternative materials were investigated. First, all substances were evaluated for endocrine disruptive (ED) activity by using different existing lists of (suspected) ED chemicals. Next, the potential non-ED risks were assessed. A distinction was made between migrants listed in Annex I of European Regulation 10/2011 and the unlisted substances (e.g. non-intentionally added substances). For the listed substances, concentrations in the migration solutions were compared to their respective specific migration limits (SML) (when applicable). Migration of all substances was shown to be below their SML. The unlisted substances were evaluated using toxicological information from previous evaluations, or if not available, by applying the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach. In case the estimated exposure to the unlisted substance exceeded the human exposure TTC value, a more indepth risk assessment was performed. Based on the results of both parts of the study, four baby bottles were considered of high concern because of the potential toxicity of migrating compounds.

Decontaminating breast pump kits: new guidance.

Various methods can be used to decontaminate breast pump milk collection kits and items related to infant feeding but they have some drawbacks and risks. In 2015, the Joint Working Group of the Healthcare Infection Society and Infection Prevention Society published guidance to support the safe decontamination of this equipment at home and in hospital. This article summarises its recommendations for health professionals to use and communicate to other groups, such as parents and carers.

Interference of conventional and orthodontic nipples in system stomatognatic: systematic review. / Interferência dos bicos ortodônticos e convencionais no sistema estomatognático: revisão sistemática.

PURPOSE: Check if the type of nozzle, orthodontic or conventional, of pacifier and bottle have any influence on the changes found in the stomatognathic system caused by the maintenance of the sucking habit. Research Strategies: Through a systematic literature review with meta-analysis, performed from the databases Lilacs, Medline and Embase and Scholar Google, with the following key words in Portuguese and English: "malocclusion" + "Pacifiers "; "Malocclusion" + "Bottle Feeding"; "Malocclusion" + "Bottle feeding" beyond words "Orthodontic Beak" + "Conventional Beak". SELECTION CRITERIA: We included studies that presented in their methods to compare groups who used pacifiers and/or bottle with conventional nozzle with groups using orthodontic nipple without temporal delimitation. DATA ANALYSIS: The analysis of the article in its entirety was performed systematically, ordering the relevant results in the following categories: objective, method-case studies and evaluation, results, and conclusion. RESULTS: Found 1,041 jobs, from the period 1969 to 2013, 848 jobs were excluded based on the exclusion criteria and another 174 that were repetitions. A total of 19 articles were read in full of which 4 articles met the proposed inclusion criteria, and three studies were included in the meta-analysis. These results show that there are no significant differences between the orthodontic and conventional nozzles on the implications of the stomatognathic system. CONCLUSION: There is no way to conclude that there are differences as to the consequences to the stomatognathic system caused by conventional nozzles and orthodontic pacifier/bottle.

Evaluation of the migration of chemicals from baby bottles under standardised and duration testing conditions.

After the prohibition of bisphenol-A-containing polycarbonate baby bottles in the European Union (EU), alternative materials, such as polypropylene, polyethersulphone, Tritan™ copolyester, etc., have appeared on the market. Based on an initial screening and in vitro toxicity assessment, the most toxic migrating compounds were selected to be monitored and quantified using validated GC- and LC-QqQ-MS methods. The effect of several 'real-life-use conditions', such as microwave, sterilisation and dishwasher, on the migration of different contaminants was evaluated by means of duration tests. These results were compared with a reference treatment (filling five times with pre-heated simulant at 40°C) and with the legal EU 'repetitive-use conditions' (three migrations, 2 h at 70°C). Analysis of the third migration step of the EU repetitive-use conditions (which has to comply with the EU legislative migration limits) showed that several non-authorised compounds were observed in some baby bottles exceeding 10 µg kg(-1). However, all authorised compounds were detected well below their respective specific migration limits (SMLs). The reference experiment confirmed the migration of some of the compounds previously detected in the EU repetitive-use experiment, though at lower concentrations. Analysis of extracts from the microwave and dishwasher experiments showed a reduction in the migration during the duration tests. In general, the concentrations found were low and comparable with the reference experiment. Similar observations were made for the two sterilisation types: steam and cooking sterilisation. However, steam sterilisation seems to be more recommended for daily use of baby bottles, since it resulted in a lower release of substances afterwards. Repeated use of baby bottles under 'real-life' conditions showed no increase in the migration of investigated compounds and, after some time, the migration of these compounds even became negligible.

Interferência dos bicos ortodônticos e convencionais no sistema estomatognático: revisão sistemática / Interference of conventional and orthodontic nipples in system stomatognatic: systematic review

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar se o tipo de bico, ortodôntico ou convencional, de chupeta e mamadeira, tem alguma influência sobre as alterações encontradas no sistema estomatognático causadas pela manutenção do hábito de sucção. Estratégia de pesquisa: Por meio de uma revisão de literatura sistemática com metanálise, realizada a partir das bases de dados Lilacs, Medline e Embase e com a ferramenta de busca Google Acadêmico™, com os seguintes descritores em português e inglês: “Má oclusão” + “Chupetas”; “Má oclusão” + “Alimentação Artificial”; “Má oclusão” + “Mamadeira”, além das palavras “Bico Ortodôntico” + “Bico Convencional”. Critérios de seleção: Foram incluídos estudos que apresentassem em seus métodos a comparação de grupos que utilizaram chupeta e/ou mamadeira com bico convencional com grupos que utilizaram o bico ortodôntico, sem delimitação temporal. Análise dos dados: A análise do artigo na íntegra foi realizada de modo sistemático, com as seguintes categorias tabelando os resultados pertinentes: objetivo, método - casuística e avaliação, resultados e conclusão. Resultados: Foram encontrados 1.041 trabalhos, período de 1969 a 2013, desses foram excluídos 848 trabalhos, devido aos critérios de exclusão, e outros 174 que eram repetições. Foram lidos na íntegra 19 trabalhos, dos quais quatro artigos atenderam aos critérios de inclusão propostos, e três trabalhos foram incluídos na metanálise. Tais resultados expressaram que não há diferenças significantes entre os bicos ortodôntico e convencional quanto às implicações no sistema estomatognático. Conclusão: Não há possibilidade de concluir a existência de diferenças quanto às consequências no sistema estomatognático ocasionadas por bicos convencionais e ortodônticos de chupetas/mamadeiras.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Check if the type of nozzle, orthodontic or conventional, of pacifier and bottle have any influence on the changes found in the stomatognathic system caused by the maintenance of the sucking habit. Research Strategies: Through a systematic literature review with meta-analysis, performed from the databases Lilacs, Medline and Embase and Scholar Google, with the following key words in Portuguese and English: “malocclusion” + “Pacifiers “; “Malocclusion” + “Bottle Feeding”; “Malocclusion” + “Bottle feeding” beyond words “Orthodontic Beak” + “Conventional Beak”. Selection Criteria: We included studies that presented in their methods to compare groups who used pacifiers and/or bottle with conventional nozzle with groups using orthodontic nipple without temporal delimitation. Data Analysis: The analysis of the article in its entirety was performed systematically, ordering the relevant results in the following categories: objective, method—case studies and evaluation, results, and conclusion. Results: Found 1,041 jobs, from the period 1969 to 2013, 848 jobs were excluded based on the exclusion criteria and another 174 that were repetitions. A total of 19 articles were read in full of which 4 articles met the proposed inclusion criteria, and three studies were included in the meta-analysis. These results show that there are no significant differences between the orthodontic and conventional nozzles on the implications of the stomatognathic system. Conclusion: There is no way to conclude that there are differences as to the consequences to the stomatognathic system caused by conventional nozzles and orthodontic pacifier/bottle.