Gastric residual volume measurement in British neonatal intensive care units: a survey of practice



Dorling, Jon, Tume, Lyvonne, Arch, Barbara ORCID: 0000-0001-6060-8091, Woolfall, Kerry ORCID: 0000-0002-5726-5304, Latten, Lynne, Roper, Louise ORCID: 0000-0002-2918-7628, Deja, Elizabeth ORCID: 0000-0002-3626-4927, Pathan, Nazima, Eccleson, Helen, Hickey, Helen ORCID: 0000-0003-0467-0362
et al (show 5 more authors) (2020) Gastric residual volume measurement in British neonatal intensive care units: a survey of practice. BMJ PAEDIATRICS OPEN, 4 (1). e000601-.

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Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>Despite little evidence, the practice of routine gastric residual volume (GRV) measurement to guide enteral feeding in neonatal units is widespread. Due to increased interest in this practice, and to examine trial feasibility, we aimed to determine enteral feeding and GRV measurement practices in British neonatal units.<h4>Design and setting</h4>An online survey was distributed via email to all neonatal units and networks in England, Scotland and Wales. A clinical nurse, senior doctor and dietitian were invited to collaboratively complete the survey and submit a copy of relevant guidelines.<h4>Results</h4>95/184 (51.6%) approached units completed the survey, 81/95 (85.3%) reported having feeding guidelines and 28 guidelines were submitted for review. The majority of units used intermittent (90/95) gastric feeds as their primary feeding method. 42/95 units reported specific guidance for measuring and interpreting GRV. 20/90 units measured GRV before every feed, 39/90 at regular time intervals (most commonly four to six hourly 35/39) and 26/90 when felt to be clinically indicated. Most units reported uncertainty on the utility of aspirate volume for guiding feeding decisions; 13/90 reported that aspirate volume affected decisions 'very much'. In contrast, aspirate colour was reported to affect decisions 'very much' by 37/90 of responding units. Almost half, 44/90, routinely returned aspirates to the stomach.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Routine GRV measurement is part of standard practice in British neonatal units, although there was inconsistency in how frequently to measure or how to interpret the aspirate. Volume was considered less important than colour of the aspirate.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: measurement, neonatology, gastroenterology
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 27 Aug 2020 14:51
Last Modified: 18 Jan 2023 23:36
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2019-000601
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3098786