Development of sucking patterns in preterm infants

PhD ceremony: Ms. S.P. da Costa, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Thesis: Development of sucking patterns in preterm infants

Promotor(s): prof. A.F. Bos

Faculty: Medical Sciences

 

Generally, healthy, fullterm infants shows a normal sucking pattern. In preterm infants, the development of sucking patterns differs from full term infants and takes more time. We did a longitudinally study in about 60 preterms. Only a quarter of the preterms had a normal sucking pattern at full term age; by the age of ten weeks postterm this had increased to three quarters. Preterm infants have difficulty coordinating their breathing with sucking and swallowing and to sustain sucking. Their sucking patterns are not characterized by rhythmical movements of jaw and tongue as seen in a mature sucking pattern. Small-for-gestational age preterm infants and very preterm infants (GA < 30 weeks PMA), especially those with a bronchopulmonal dysplasia require extra attention in developing their sucking skills.