Research and Clinical Inquiry

(1005) Gastrointestinal function among high-risk infants following neonatal intensive care

Poster Presenter(s)

Jinhee Park, PhD, RN

Assistant Professor
Boston College Connell School of Nursing
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States
Disclosure: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.

Co-Author(s)

Suzanne Thoyre, PhD, RN, FAAN

Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Disclosure: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
HE

Hayley Estrem, PhD, RN

Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina Wilmington School of Nursing
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
Disclosure: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as regurgitation, constipation, abdominal distension and pain, are common among high-risk infants while in neonatal care. These problems are frequently reported by parents when visiting outpatient clinics, even months after discharge. Scientific data about post-discharge GI problems in this population are scarce and much needed. The purpose of this study was to examine symptoms of GI problems among high-risk infants in the first 8 months post term age and to explore factors associated with these symptoms.

Learning Objectives:

Describe common symptoms of gastrointestinal problems in high-risk infants after neonatal intensive care
List three factors that may ease or worsen symptoms of gastrointestinal problems