Presentation Information

Evaluation of Gastric Residuals: A Clinical Necessity or a Nuisance

• Speaker: Dr. Leslie Parker , PhD, APRN
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits:

Abstract:

Evaluating pre-feed gastric residuals has been considered routine care in neonatal intensive care units with little supporting evidence. However, lack of a consistent definition for an abnormal volume or color of gastric residuals, inconsistencies in interventions surrounding increased gastric volumes, and lack of reliable measurement techniques may limit their usefulness. Furthermore large gastric residuals are known to be one of the most common reason feedings are discontinued. During this presentation, we will discuss the evidence regarding the effect of evaluating gastric residuals on nutritional outcomes including days to full feedings, feeding intolerance, growth, days requiring a central venous line and parenteral nutrition as well as incidence of cholestasis and osteopenia of prematurity. We will also examine evidence regarding the effect of evaluating gastric residuals on intestinal inflammation, gastric hormone secretion and the intestinal microbiome.