Effect of Patent Ductus Arteriosus on Splanchnic Oxygenation at Enteral Feeding Introduction in Preterm Infants

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common condition among preterm infants. In the presence of a large PDA, significant systemic to pulmonary shunting occurs, possibly resulting in pulmonary blood flow overload and systemic hypoperfusion. A possible association with hemodynamically significant PDA and the occurrence of adverse gastrointestinal outcomes has been reported as a possible consequence of mesenteric hypoperfusion ensuing from left-to-right shunt through the PDA.

Previous attempts to assess by Doppler ultrasound the effect of PDA on blood flow velocity in superior mesenteric artery (SMA BFV) showed a decreased SMA BFV before and after feedings and attenuated postprandial increases in infants with large PDA. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a non-invasive measurement of regional tissue oxygen saturation and has been previously applied in neonatal settings for the monitoring of cerebral (CrSO2) or splanchnic (SrSO2) oxygen saturation. Current evidence on the effect of PDA on SrSO2 is scarce and controversial; moreover, a possible effect of PDA on SrSO2 patterns in response to enteral feeding introduction has not been evaluated yet.

This study aims to evaluate whether SrSO2 patterns in response to enteral feeding introduction in preterm infants may be affected by the ductal status. The development of intestinal complications in relation to PDA are also evaluated.

Preterm infants <32 weeks admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are consecutively enrolled in the study if younger than 3 days and if no enteral feeding has been administered prior to the enrollment.

Written, informed consent to participate in the study is obtained from the parents/legal guardians of each infant before introducing enteral feeding.