PDA Management in the First Month in High-Risk Preterm Neonate, N/IICU and Inpatient – Enteral Feeding

PDA Management in the First Month in High-Risk Preterm Neonate Clinical Pathway — N/IICU and Inpatient

Enteral Feeding of the Infant with a PDA

There is no data regarding feeding advances in the presence of a PDA. Decisions for feeding advances are made on an individual basis. Failure to tolerate feeds is considered criteria for moderate/severe PDA.

Feeding Considerations for Children

Mild Symptoms Enteral feedings in infants with asymptomatic or “mild” PDAs appear to be safe and should be started and/or continued if there are no other contraindications to feeding, with close attention to symptoms of intolerance.
Moderate/Severe Symptoms
  • Enteral feedings may be started or continued, with close attention to symptoms of intolerance.
  • Strong caution should be used when severe clinical symptomatology of a hemodynamically significant PDA are present.
  • Enteral feedings should be stopped if there are clinical concerns for feeding intolerance, hemodynamic instability, or other clinical contraindications.
Being Treated Pharmacologically Minimal enteral feedings (< 20 ml/kg/day) with breast milk may be started or continued during treatment or prophylaxis of the PDA with pharmacologic treatment unless there are other contraindications to feeding, with close attention to symptoms of intolerance.