Sucking and swallowing in infants and diagnostic tools

Abstract

Preterm infants often have difficulties in learning how to suckle from the breast or how to drink from a bottle. As yet, it is unclear whether this is part of their prematurity or whether it is caused by neurological problems. Is it possible to decide on the basis of how an infant learns to suckle or drink whether it needs help and if so, what kind of help? In addition, can any predictions be made regarding the relationship between these difficulties and later neurodevelopmental outcome? We searched the literature for recent insights into the development of sucking and the factors that play a role in acquiring this skill. Our aim was to find a diagnostic tool that focuses on the readiness for feeding or that provides guidelines for interventions. At the same time, we searched for studies on the relationship between early sucking behavior and developmental outcome. It appeared that there is a great need for a reliable, user-friendly and noninvasive diagnostic tool to study sucking in preterm and full-term infants.

A community based assessment study of positioning, attachment and suckling during breastfeeding among 0-6 months aged infants in rural area of Gandhinagar district, Gujarat, India

“…23 SP da Costa et al study mentioned that it is unclear whether poor suckling is part of their prematurity or whether it is caused by neurological problems. 24 Present study indicates that a mostly (80%) of multiparous mothers had good position and attachment, which could be the outcome of their earlier practice. Fazlur Rahim et al reported that Primiparas women were poorer in Position (64% against 38.5%), Bonding (50% against 22%), and suckling (59% against 22%) in comparison to multiparas.…”

Pressure-Flow Analysis for the Assessment of Pediatric Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

“…Safe, effective and efficient swallowing throughout development relies on intricate sensory development, fine motor coordination of the swallowing musculature, and maturation of feeding skills to ensure airway protection and full bolus clearance from the oropharyngeal segment (1)(2)(3). Physiologically, pressure changes across the pharyngo-esophageal segment drive bolus movement during the swallowing process.…”

Percepatan Masa Penggunaan Sonde melalui Stimulasi Non Nutritive Sucking dalam Pemberian Minum Bayi Prematur

“…Ketidakmampuan minum pada bayi prematur disebabkan oleh kemampuan otot mengisapmengisap masih lemah, kapasitas oral belum stabil, dan penyebab yang berhubungan dengan gangguan neurologi. Keefektifan koordinasi antara refleks mengisap, menelan, dan bernapas pada bayi prematur dipengaruhi oleh kematangan struktur otak dan saraf kranial (Da Costa, van den Engel-Hoek, & Bos, 2008;Glass & Wolf, 1994).…”