Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties in Neonates: Developmental Physiology and Pathophysiology

Sreekanth Viswanathan; Sudarshan Jadcherla

doi:10.1016/j.clp.2020.02.005

Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties in Neonates: Developmental Physiology and Pathophysiology

Clin Perinatol. 2020 Jun;47(2):223-241. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2020.02.005. Epub 2020 Feb 19.

Authors

Sreekanth Viswanathan¹, Sudarshan Jadcherla²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Hospital, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, 13535 Nemours Parkway, Orlando, FL 32827, USA. Electronic address: sreekanth.viswanathan@nemours.org.
² Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA; Neonatal and Infant Feeding Disorders Research Program, Center for Perinatal Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.

PMID: 32439109
DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2020.02.005

Abstract

Development of enteral and oral feeding milestones in infants is intricately linked to physiologic maturation of the gastrointestinal tract and its complex interplay with cardiorespiratory and central nervous system control and coordination. Assessment of an infant's developmental skills and maturation can guide us with targeted management approaches and prediction of feeding outcomes. In this article, we review and summarize the developmental aspects of oral feeding and swallowing physiology, and current understanding of the pathophysiological changes associated with feeding difficulties in infants.

Keywords: Dysphagia; Oral feeding; Preterm infants; Suck-swallow-breath.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child Development / physiology*
Deglutition / physiology*
Deglutition Disorders / congenital*
Deglutition Disorders / physiopathology*
Feeding Behavior / physiology*
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Sucking Behavior / physiology*