In this section
@article{Bozkurt:2026:10.1038/s41390-026-05297-6,
author = {Bozkurt, O and Ecevit, A and Gunlemez, A},
doi = {10.1038/s41390-026-05297-6},
journal = {Pediatr Res},
title = {Noninvasive acoustic evaluation of oral feeding skills in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41390-026-05297-6},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - BACKGROUND: Oral feeding difficulties are common in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and contribute to delayed discharge. The aim was to evaluate oral feeding skills (OFS) and swallow-respiration coordination in infants with BPD using a bedside noninvasive signal-based device. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Forty-six infants with BPD and 51 stable preterm controls ( ≤ 32 weeks' gestation) underwent a two-minute oral feeding evaluation. Acoustic swallow and respiratory signals were synchronously recorded to derive total swallow count (TSwC), maximum rhythmic swallow count (MxRSwC), average time between rhythmic swallows (AvgTmBtwnRhSw), respiration rate, and swallowing apnea. RESULTS: Infants with BPD had fewer TSwC and MxRSwC, and a longer AvgTmBtwnRhSw (all p < 0.05). Oxygen desaturation events were more frequent and swallowing apnea was more common in BPD group (%39 vs %9.8, p = 0.001). Infants with BPD achieved full independent oral feeding at an older postmenstrual age than controls. CONCLUSION: Oral feeding skills in preterm infants with BPD are characterized by delayed progression and altered swallowing rhythmicity, suggesting impaired swallow-respiration coordination. Individualized noninvasive acoustic assessment provides a feasible and objective method for the evaluation of OFSs in infants with BPD. IMPACT: Infants with BPD often have delayed and less mature oral feeding skills mostly driven by impaired swallow-respiration coordination. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a simple, objective, noninvasive bedside approach for assessment of swallowing physiology and swallow-respiration coordination during oral feeding. Individualized evaluation of feeding readiness using noninvasive, easily accessible tools may support targeted feeding strategies in preterm infants with BPD.
AU - Bozkurt,O
AU - Ecevit,A
AU - Gunlemez,A
DO - 10.1038/s41390-026-05297-6
PY - 2026///
TI - Noninvasive acoustic evaluation of oral feeding skills in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
T2 - Pediatr Res
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41390-026-05297-6
UR - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/42471469
ER -
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