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The Effect of a Chronobiological Feeding Model on Growth Parameters and Length of Hospitalization in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Study

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background and Purpose:Preterm infants are born before the 37th gestational week and need prompt nutrition. The circadian rhythm is an internal 24-hour cycle regulated by endogenous molecules. Human milk contains different biological peptides at different times within this cycle. Chrononutrition is a feeding model that is adjusted to match the biological clock of the individual. This study tests chrononutrition as a superior feeding model in preterm infants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the chronobiological feeding model on growth parameters and discharge time among preterm infants. Methods:We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit between October 2021 and March 2022, randomized preterm infants to receive either chrononutrition (study group = 45) or standard feeding (control group = 46), and used the infant’s follow-up form for data collection. Results:Among 91 neonates, the median gestational age was 33 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 2,100 g. Demographic findings and growth parameters showed no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Weight gain and percentile measurements at discharge were statistically significantly higher in the study group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively). Discharge time was statistically significantly lower after full enteral feeding and hospitalization time was shorter in the study group (p = 0.001). Conclusions:The chronobiological feeding model showcased significant positive effects on anthropometrics and percentile measurements at discharge and led to a 2-day reduction in the length of hospital stay.
DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2024.0221
Language: English
Field: Nursing
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4409274130
FWCI: 4.414
Cites: 32
Cited by: 8
Related to: 10