Assessing oral feeding skills in very premature infants

Evaluation of Oral Feeding Skills of Very Premature Infants

Observational Hospices Civils de Lyon · NCT06657729

This study looks at how very premature babies learn to feed by mouth and what challenges they face in making that transition from tube feeding.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 5 Months
SexAll
SponsorHospices Civils de Lyon Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lyon)
Trial IDNCT06657729 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on extremely premature infants born at less than 29 weeks of gestation, examining their oral feeding skills and the challenges they face in achieving feeding autonomy. The study aims to understand the impact of various complications associated with extreme prematurity on the development of the 'suck, swallow, breathe' sequence necessary for feeding. By observing these infants, the researchers hope to identify factors that influence their ability to transition from gastric tube feeding to oral feeding. The intervention involves the use of succiometry to assess feeding skills.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants born before 29 weeks of gestation who are hospitalized in the Croix Rousse neonatology department.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with severe congenital malformations or other significant pathologies requiring surgery.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve feeding strategies for very premature infants, enhancing their feeding autonomy and overall development.

How similar studies have performed: While this study addresses a critical area in neonatal care, similar studies have shown varying degrees of success in improving feeding outcomes for premature infants.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Infant born before 29 GA
* Hospitalized in the Croix Rousse neonatology department
* Admitted within the first three days of life

Exclusion Criteria:

* Discharge (transfer) planned within 15 days of birth
* Silicone allergy
* Severe congenital malformation
* Pathology requiring surgery
* Parental refusal

Where this trial is running

Lyon

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Extreme Prematurityprematurityoralitysuckingfeeding autonomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.