Impact of non-nutritive sucking on feeding tolerance in premature infants

Effect of Non-nutritive Sucking on Feeding Intolerance in Premature Infants

NA · Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT06065839

This study tests if letting premature infants suck on something non-nutritive for a short time can help them tolerate feeding better before they need tube-feeding.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages26 Weeks to 32 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Taoyuan, Kwei-Shan District)
Trial IDNCT06065839 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of non-nutritive sucking on feeding intolerance in premature infants. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: one receiving 5 minutes of non-nutritive sucking, another receiving 15 minutes, and a control group with no non-nutritive sucking. The study controls for various factors such as gestational age, birth weight, and type of milk fed. The aim is to determine if non-nutritive sucking can improve feeding tolerance before tube-feeding in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are premature infants between 26 to 31 weeks gestational age who are being tube-fed.

Not a fit: Patients with severe medical conditions such as congenital anomalies or significant gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance feeding tolerance in premature infants, potentially leading to better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar interventions have shown promise in improving feeding outcomes in premature infants.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Premature infants whose gestational age is more than 26 weeks (inclusive) to less than 32 weeks
* Premature neonates who are force-fed with orogastric or nasogastric tubes
* No congenital gastrointestinal abnormalities
* No serious Congenital anomalies and heart disease, no cleft lip and palate
* Never received stomach or intestinal surgery
* No central nervous system damage
* With the consent of their parents or guardians, and fill out the consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe hypoxemia
* Severe hypotension
* Esophageal perforation
* Necrotic enteritis
* Infection-induced sepsis
* 3-4 grades of ventricular hemorrhage

Where this trial is running

Taoyuan, Kwei-Shan District

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Non-nutritive Sucking

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.