Introduction:

The oral feeding after birth is carried out by proper coordination of the functional suction-swallow-breathing triad; however, when there is a dysfunction in any of the variables, the suction-swallowing disorders are presented. There are several factors which predetermines the presence of these disorders, one of them is prematurity which delays the acquisition of coordination and development of each function of the triad.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of suction-swallowing disorder in preterm infants born at the University Hospital of Santander according to the degree of prematurity as well as the associated variables.

materials and methods:

Observational cross-sectional study. A clinical history review of preterm neonates at the University Hospital of Santander during 2016, including a total of 115 patients, was carried out.

Results:

Patients with a diagnosis of swallowing disorder had significantly lower mean gestational age, weight and height compared to the group of patients who did not present this disorder, as well as longer hospital stays. Variables such as hypertension associated with pregnancy, maternal infection at the time of delivery, abruptio of placenta, cesarean delivery, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and neonatal jaundice, ileus and anemia were found to be higher in patients with swallowing disorder.

Conclusions:

There are variables that are associated with suction-swallowing disorder, which must be identified and intervened to mitigate the burden of the disease. MÉD.UIS. 2017;30(3):73-81.

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