Variability in the preoperative management of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Milrinone for treatment of elevated lactate in the pre-operative newborn with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of information reported regarding the use of milrinone in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome prior to the Norwood procedure. At our institution, milrinone is initiated in the pre-operative setting when over-circulation and elevated serum lactate levels develop. We aimed to review the responses associated with the administration of milrinone in the pre-operative hypoplastic left heart syndrome patient. Second, we compared patients who received high- versus low-dose milrinone prior to Norwood procedure.

METHODS

Single-centre retrospective study of patients diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome between January 2000 and December 2019 who underwent Norwood procedure. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

During the study period, 375 patients were identified; 79 (21%) received milrinone prior to the Norwood procedure with median lactate 2.55 mmol/l, and SpO2 93%. Patients who received milrinone were older at the time of Norwood procedure (6 vs. 5 days) and were more likely to be intubated and sedated. In a subset analysis stratifying patients to low- versus high-dose milrinone, median lactate decreased from time of initiation (2.39 vs 2.75 to 1.6 vs 1.8 mmol/l) at 12 hours post-initiation, respectively. Repeated measures analysis showed a significant decrease in lactate levels by 4 hours following initiation of milrinone, that persisted over time, with no significant difference in mean arterial pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of milrinone in the pre-operative over-circulated hypoplastic left heart syndrome patient is well tolerated, is associated with decreased lactate levels, and was not associated with significant hypotension or worsening of excess pulmonary blood flow.

Nutritional Management of Patients with Fontan Circulation: A Potential for Improved Outcomes from Birth to Adulthood

Fontan circulation (FC) is a surgically achieved palliation state offered to patients affected by a wide variety of congenital heart defects (CHDs) that are grouped under the name of univentricular heart. The procedure includes three different surgical stages. Malnutrition is a matter of concern in any phase of life for these children, often leading to longer hospital stays, higher mortality rates, and a higher risk of adverse neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes. Notwithstanding the relevance of proper nutrition for this subset of patients, specific guidelines on the matter are lacking. In this review, we aim to analyze the role of an adequate form of nutritional support in patients with FC throughout the different stages of their lives, in order to provide a practical approach to appropriate nutritional management. Firstly, the burden of faltering growth in patients with univentricular heart is analyzed, focusing on the pathogenesis of malnutrition, its detection and evaluation. Secondly, we summarize the nutritional issues of each life phase of a Fontan patient from birth to adulthood. Finally, we highlight the challenges of nutritional management in patients with failing Fontan.

Preoperative Care of Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common types of birth defects, with 40,000 newborns diagnosed yearly in the United States. This article describes: (1) four common heart defects seen in neonatal intensive care units, (2) the typical medical/nursing care of these neonates, and (3) common surgical management for the defects. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, dextro-transposition of the great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot, and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum are four common types of CHD requiring NICU admission. Knowledge of these defects will help nurses to appropriately manage and treat neonates with these types of CHD.

A Multi-Interventional Nutrition Program for Newborns with Congenital Heart Disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate how outcomes changed in newborns undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease after implementation of a standardized preoperative and postoperative nutrition program.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a single-center cohort study of newborns who underwent cardiac surgery between September 2008 and July 2015. We evaluated growth and feeding outcomes in the 2 years of preprogram time (phase 0), in the 2 years after initiation of a postoperative feeding algorithm (phase 1), and in the 2 years following introduction of a preoperative feeding program (phase 2) using traditional statistics and quality improvement methods.

RESULTS

The study included 570 newborns with congenital heart disease. Weight-for-age z-score change from birth to hospital discharge significantly improved from phase 0 (-1.02 [IQR, -1.45 to -0.63]) to phase 1 (-0.83 [IQR, -1.25 to -0.54]; P = .006), with this improvement maintained in phase 2 (-0.89 [IQR, -1.30 to -0.56]; P = .017 across phases). Gastrostomy tube use decreased significantly (25% in phase 0 vs 12% and 14% in phases 1 and 2; P < .001) and preoperative enteral feeding increased significantly (47% and 46% in phases 0 and 1 vs 76% in phase 2; P < .001) without increases in necrotizing enterocolitis, hospital stay, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction of a multi-interventional nutrition program was associated with improved weight gain, fewer gastrostomy tubes at hospital discharge, and increased preoperative enteral feeding without increases in necrotizing enterocolitis, hospital stay, or mortality.

Low risk of necrotising enterocolitis in enterally fed neonates with critical heart disease: an observational study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the frequency of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in infants with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) hypothesising that preoperative enteral feeding does not increase the risk of NEC.

BACKGROUND

When NEC affects term infants, underlying risk factors such as asphyxia, sepsis or CCHD are often found. Due to fear of NEC development in infants with CCHD great caution is practised in many countries to defer preoperative enteral feeding, but in Sweden this is routinely provided.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS

An observational study of all infants born with CCHD who were admitted to Queen Silvia Children's Hospital in Gothenburg between 2010 and 2017. The International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision diagnosis code of NEC was used to identify NEC cases in this group. Infants described as 'fully fed' or who were fed at least 45 mL/kg/day before cardiac surgery were identified.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

NEC in infants with CCHD in relation to preoperative enteral feeding.

RESULTS

There were 458 infants with CCHD admitted during the study period. 408/458 were born at term and 361/458 required prostaglandin E1 before surgery. In total, 444/458 infants (97%) were fully fed or fed at least 45 mL/kg daily before cardiac surgery. Four of 458 infants developed NEC (0.9%). All four had other risk factors for NEC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a low risk of NEC in term infants fed enterally before cardiac surgery. We speculate that preoperative enteral feeding of neonates with CCHD does not increase the risk of NEC development.

Low descending aorta flow is associated with adverse feeding outcomes in neonates with small left-sided structures

Feeding intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) cause significant morbidity in neonates with duct-dependent systemic circulations. Whether these complications are associated with low blood flow to the bowel is unproven. The aim of this study was to determine whether low descending aortic (DAO) flow is associated with adverse feeding outcomes in neonates with small left-sided structures, including borderline left ventricle and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging studies and abdominal Doppler ultrasound profiles prior to any cardiac interventions in neonates with small left-sided structures were analyzed. Descending aortic flows, indexed to body surface area, were collected. Medical charts were reviewed for a composite outcome of feeding intolerance and/or NEC. Among the 51 enrolled study patients (mean age 4.6, SD 4.5 days), 13 experienced the composite outcome (feeding intolerance in 13, NEC in 2). The mean DAO flow in patients who experienced the composite outcome was 0.89 L/min/m² (SD 0.33 L/min/m²), compared to 1.23 L/min/m² (SD 0.41 L/min/m²) in those that did not (p = 0.007). A DAO flow of 0.91 L/min/m² identified patients who experienced feeding intolerance or NEC with a sensitivity of 61% and a specificity of 76%. Doppler ultrasound metrics of DAO flow did not correlate with DAO flow or predict adverse feeding outcomes. Low DAO flow is associated with adverse outcomes, including feeding intolerance and NEC, in neonates with small left-sided structures. Heightened clinical vigilance towards feeding complications in patients with low DAO flow is recommended.

"I was so worried about every drop of milk" - feeding problems at home are a significant concern for parents after major heart surgery in infancy

Increasing numbers of operations in small infants with complex congenital heart disease are being carried out in the UK year on year, with more surviving the initial operation. However, even after successful surgery some of these infants remain fragile when they are discharged home. The aim of the study was to elicit parents' experiences of caring for a child with complex needs after major congenital heart surgery. We conducted a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with parents of 20 children (aged <1-5 months at hospital discharge), who had undergone open heart surgery and subsequently died or been readmitted unexpectedly to intensive care following their initial discharge home. Feeding difficulties following discharge from the specialist surgical centre emerged as one of the most significant parental concerns spontaneously raised in interviews. For some parents the impact of feeding difficulties overshadowed any other cardiac concerns. Key themes centred around feeding management (particularly the practical challenges of feeding their baby), the emotional impact of feeding for parents and the support parents received or needed after discharge with respect to feeding. Caring for a child with congenital heart disease following surgery is demanding, with feeding difficulties being one of the most significant parent stressors. Local health professionals can be a good source of support for parents provided that they are well informed about the needs of a cardiac baby and have realistic expectations of weight gain. Specialist surgical centres should consider addressing issues of parental stress around feeding and weight gain prior to hospital discharge. © 2016 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Quality improvement through collaboration: the National Pediatric Quality improvement Collaborative initiative

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The National Pediatric Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPCQIC) was established to improve outcomes and quality of life in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and other single ventricle lesions requiring a Norwood operation. The NPCQIC consists of a network of providers and families collecting longitudinal data, conducting research, and using quality improvement science to decrease variations in care, develop and spread best practices, and decrease mortality.

RECENT FINDINGS

Initial descriptive investigation of the collaborative data found interstage care process variations, different surgical strategies, diverse feeding practices, and variable ICU approaches between centers and within sites. Analysis and evaluation of these practice variations have allowed centers to learn from each other and implement change to improve processes. There has been an improvement in performance measures and most importantly, a 39.7% reduction in mortality.

SUMMARY

The NPCQIC has shown, in a rare disease such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome that a network based on multicenter collaboration, patient (parent) engagement, and quality improvement science can facilitate change in practices and improvement in outcomes.

Development of Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

With rising cost of healthcare, there is an urgent need for developing effective and economical streamlined care. In clinical situations with limited data or conflicting evidence-based data, there is significant institutional and individual practice variation. Quality improvement with the use of Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs) might be beneficial in such scenarios. The SCAMPs method has never before been reported to be utilized in plastic surgery.

Methods:

The topic of immediate breast reconstruction was identified as a possible SCAMPs project. The initial stages of SCAMPs development, including planning and implementation, were entered. The SCAMP Champion, along with the SCAMPs support team, developed targeted data statements. The SCAMP was then written and a decision-tree algorithm was built. Buy-in was obtained from the Division of Plastic Surgery and a SCAMPs data form was generated to collect data.

Results:

Decisions pertaining to “immediate implant-based breast reconstruction” were approved as an acceptable topic for SCAMPs development. Nine targeted data statements were made based on the clinical decision points within the SCAMP. The SCAMP algorithm, and the SDF, required multiple revisions. Ultimately, the SCAMP was effectively implemented with multiple iterations in data collection.

Conclusions:

Full execution of the SCAMP may allow better-defined selection criteria for this complex patient population. Deviations from the SCAMP may allow for improvement of the SCAMP and facilitate consensus within the Division. Iterative and adaptive quality improvement utilizing SCAMPs creates an opportunity to reduce cost by improving knowledge about best practice.

Gathering and learning from relevant clinical data: a new framework

Given the rising costs of health care in today's economic environment, the need for effective, value-driven care has never been more pressing. While the U.S. health care system strives continually to improve patient outcomes, it struggles with the inadequacies due to variation in care and the inefficiencies of unnecessary resource utilization. The tools traditionally used to study care, from retrospective studies to randomized controlled trials, may be inadequate to address the complicated, interdependent questions related to defining effective care. To overcome the deficiencies of these traditional tools and better optimize our health care system, a new kind of methodology is required--one that integrates the functionality of previously existing tools in a novel way. Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs) were designed to accomplish this goal. A SCAMP is a care pathway, designed by clinicians, to guide medical decision making around a particular disorder. SCAMPs are unique in that they invite knowledge-based diversions from their recommendations and are accompanied by data collection and continuous improvement processes. Through these mechanisms, SCAMPs successfully reduce practice variation, optimize resource use, and create an integrated medical learning system which overcomes many of the inadequacies of traditional research tools. As such, the SCAMP paradigm may represent an important breakthrough in the effort to define and implement effective health care.

Necrotising enterocolitis in infants with congenital heart disease: the role of enteral feeds

OBJECTIVE

Necrotising enterocolitis is a rare, though catastrophic complication that may occur in term newborns with congenital heart disease. There is considerable controversy regarding the factors that lead to necrotising enterocolitis in this population. We sought to determine the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis among term and near-term newborns with congenital heart disease, focusing on the relationship of enteral feeding to this complication.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we identified the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis among 1551 newborns admitted to our cardiac intensive care unit between July 1, 2002 and July 1, 2010. In order to understand the impact of enteral feeding upon the development of necrotising enterocolitis, we undertook a nested 2:1 matched case-control analysis to compare feeding patterns in an age- and lesion-matched control population.

RESULTS

Necrotising enterocolitis developed in 45 term or near-term infants (3%). The majority of these cases, 27 (60%), occurred in the post-operative period after the introduction of enteral feeds. This subgroup was used for matched analysis. There were no differences in enteral feeding patterns among the patients who developed necrotising enterocolitis and their matched controls. The overall mortality rate for patients who developed necrotising enterocolitis was 24.4% (11 out of 45).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite numerous advances in the care of infants with congenital heart disease, necrotising enterocolitis remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality. In these infants, there is no clear relationship between enteral feeding patterns and the development of necrotising enterocolitis in the post-operative period. The benefits of graduated feeding advancements to avoid the development of necrotising enterocolitis remain unproven.

Resuscitation and perioperative management of the high-risk single ventricle patient: first-stage palliation

Infants born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or other lesions resulting in a single right ventricle face the highest risk of mortality among all forms of congenital heart disease. Before the modern era of surgical palliation, these conditions were universally lethal; recent refinements in surgical technique and perioperative management have translated into dramatic improvements in survival. Nonetheless, these infants remain at a high risk of morbidity and mortality, and an appreciation of single ventricle physiology is fundamental to the care of these high-risk patients. Herein, resuscitation and perioperative management of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome are reviewed. Basic neonatal and pediatric life support recommendations are summarized, and perioperative first-stage clinical management strategies are reviewed.

Nutrition algorithms for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome; birth through the first interstage period

Failure to thrive is common in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and its variants and those with poor growth may be at risk for worse surgical and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The etiology of growth failure in this population is multifactorial and complex, but may be impacted by nutritional intervention. There are no consensus guidelines outlining best practices for nutritional monitoring and intervention in this group of infants. The Feeding Work Group of the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative performed a literature review and assessment of best nutrition practices from centers participating in the collaborative in order to provide nutritional recommendations and levels of evidence for those caring for infants with single ventricle physiology.

Variation in growth of infants with a single ventricle

OBJECTIVE

The study goal was to evaluate interstage growth variation among sites participating in the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative registry caring for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and to identify nutritional practices common among sites achieving best growth outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective analysis of infants in the registry who had presented due to their superior cavopulmonary connection (SCPC) and whose surgical site had enrolled ≥ 4 eligible patients in the registry. The primary outcome variable was weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) change between Norwood discharge and presentation for SCPC (interstage period). Blinded, structured interviews were performed with each site regarding site-specific nutritional practices. Practices common among sites with positive interstage WAZ changes were identified.

RESULTS

Sixteen centers enrolled 132 infants from December 2008 through December 2010. Median age at SCPC was 5 months (2.6-12.6), and median interstage WAZ change was -0.29 (-3.2 to 2.3). Significant variation in WAZ changes among sites was demonstrated (P < .001). Sites that used standard feeding evaluation prior to Norwood discharge and that closely monitored for specific weight gain/loss red flags in the interstage period demonstrated significantly better patient growth than those that did not use these practices (P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable variation exists in interstage growth among patients receiving care at these 16 surgical sites. Standardization of interstage nutritional management with focus on best nutritional practices may lead to improved growth in this high-risk population of infants.

Feeding and nutritional challenges in infants with single ventricle physiology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Adequate enteral nutrition and growth are vital to recovery and survival of infants following palliation for univentricular hearts. This group of patients experiences frequent feeding complications that may impede adequate delivery of enteral nutrition. This review presents the most recent data related to feeding practices, growth patterns and outcomes. It also explores management strategies for delivering enteral nutrition safely and effectively to this high-risk group of infants.

RECENT FINDINGS

Infants following palliation for single ventricle physiology have persistent growth failure until at least 14 months of life. Greater daily caloric intake attenuates this growth failure. Persistent growth failure is associated with increased mortality following cardiac surgery. Management of enteral nutrition varies widely both pre and postoperatively. Data suggest that standardizing feeding practices improves delivery of enteral nutrition and decreases feeding complications. Evidence-based international feeding guidelines do not exist.

SUMMARY

Delivery of adequate nutrition in infants with single ventricle physiology is essential to improve outcomes but is often difficult to achieve. Evidence-based feeding guideline development is crucial to improve outcomes in this group of patients.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: current considerations and expectations

In the recent era, no congenital heart defect has undergone a more dramatic change in diagnostic approach, management, and outcomes than hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). During this time, survival to the age of 5 years (including Fontan) has ranged from 50% to 69%, but current expectations are that 70% of newborns born today with HLHS may reach adulthood. Although the 3-stage treatment approach to HLHS is now well founded, there is significant variation among centers. In this white paper, we present the current state of the art in our understanding and treatment of HLHS during the stages of care: 1) pre-Stage I: fetal and neonatal assessment and management; 2) Stage I: perioperative care, interstage monitoring, and management strategies; 3) Stage II: surgeries; 4) Stage III: Fontan surgery; and 5) long-term follow-up. Issues surrounding the genetics of HLHS, developmental outcomes, and quality of life are addressed in addition to the many other considerations for caring for this group of complex patients.

Neonatal surgical reconstruction and peri-operative care for hypoplastic left heart syndrome: current strategies

The management of newborns with hypoplastic left heart syndrome has changed significantly over the past three decades, with an associated dramatic improvement in outcomes. The aim of this paper is to discuss current peri-operative and palliative surgical strategies. Owing to the fact that comparative outcomes for these strategies have been addressed in a limited number of prospective trials and extractions from multi-centred databases, the primary focus of this review is descriptive.

Using Statistical Process Control to Identify Early Growth Failure Among Infants With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Although interventions to improve outcomes for children with congenital heart disease may be designed and tested, the rarity of any one specific defect presents a barrier to using traditional statistical methods to measure the effects of these interventions. The purpose of this report is to describe the innovative statistical approach taken by the Joint Council on Congenital Heart Disease (JCCHD) National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPC-QIC) to measure outcomes for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome—a relatively rare disease. We report our experience with the application of statistical process control methods to generate measures capable of identifying statistically significant change in the incidence of early growth failure—a clinically important outcome in this relatively small patient population.

Feeding complications in hypoplastic left heart syndrome after the Norwood procedure: a systematic review of the literature

Gastrointestinal and feeding complications after the Norwood procedure in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome increases morbidity and mortality. These problems are the result of intraoperative challenges, shunt-dependent physiology, and the absence of best-practice guidelines. In response, a systematic review of feeding-related complications and management strategies was performed. A literature search from 1950 to March 2010 identified 21 primary research articles and 4 reviews. Dysphagia, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and poor nutritional status are significant feeding-related complications. Three studies directly compared the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt with the right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit (RV-PA). Patients palliated with either shunt had impaired mesenteric blood flow. Mortality did not differ between shunt types. Three studies demonstrated improved outcomes, e.g., increased survival, decreased incidence of NEC, and decreased median time to recommended daily allowance of calories, with a postoperative feeding algorithm. Two studies showed increased survival between stage I and II surgical palliation after implementation of a home-monitoring system consisting of daily weight and systemic oxygen saturation measurements. The RV-PA shunt does not significantly alter mortality or increase mesenteric blood flow. A postoperative feeding algorithm and a home-monitoring system may improve outcomes and decrease average hospital length of stay (LOS). Additional studies are needed to determine which interventions, as part of a standardized protocol, improve survival and decrease complications.

Resource utilization after introduction of a standardized clinical assessment and management plan

INTRODUCTION

A Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SCAMP) is a novel quality improvement initiative that standardizes the assessment and management of all patients who carry a predefined diagnosis. Based on periodic review of systemically collected data the SCAMP is designed to be modified to improve its own algorithm. One of the objectives of a SCAMP is to identify and reduce resource utilization and patient care costs.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed resource utilization in the first 93 arterial switch operation (ASO) SCAMP patients and 186 age-matched control ASO patients. We compared diagnostic and laboratory testing obtained at the initial SCAMP clinic visit and control patient visits. To evaluate the effect of the SCAMP over time, the number of clinic visits per patient year and echocardiograms per patient year in historical control ASO patients were compared to the projected rates for ASO SCAMP participants.

RESULTS

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), stress echocardiogram, and lipid profile utilization were higher in the initial SCAMP clinic visit group than in age-matched control patients. Total echocardiogram and lung scan usage were similar. Chest X-ray and exercise stress testing were obtained less in SCAMP patients. ASO SCAMP patients are projected to have 0.5 clinic visits and 0.5 echocardiograms per year. Historical control patients had more clinic visits (1.2 vs. 0.5 visits/patient year, P<.01) and a higher echocardiogram rate (0.92 vs. 0.5 echocardiograms/patient year, P<.01)

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a SCAMP may initially lead to increased resource utilization, but over time resource utilization is projected to decrease.

Rationale and Use of Perfusion Variables in the 2010 Update of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database

Patients undergoing congenital heart surgery are at risk of morbidity and mortality. The reasons underlying this risk are complex. To identify opportunities to reduce adverse sequelae, the cardiovascular perfusion community was invited to amend existing perfusion-related fields as well as add new ones to the current version of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (STS-CHSD). The International Consortium for Evidence-Based Perfusion (ICEBP) was invited by the STS-CHSD Task Force to identify and resolve ambiguities related to definitions among the 3 current perfusion-related fields as well as to propose new variables (and definitions) for inclusion in the 2010 update of the STS-CHSD. The ICEBP used teleconferences, wiki-based communication software, and e-mail to discuss current definitions and create new fields with definitions. The ICEBP created modified definitions to existing fields related to cardiovascular perfusion and also developed and defined new fields that focus on (1) techniques of circulatory arrest and cerebral perfusion, (2) strategies of myocardial protection, and (3) techniques to minimize hemodilution and allogeneic blood transfusions. Three fields in the STS-CHSD related to perfusion were redefined, and 23 new variables and definitions were selected for inclusion. Identifying and defining fields specific to the practice of perfusion are requisite for assessing and subsequently improving the care provided to patients undergoing congenital heart surgery. The article describes the methods and justification for adjudicating extant and new perfusion-related fields added to the 2010 update of the STS-CHSD.

Enteral feeding in prostaglandin-dependent neonates: is it a safe practice?

In many centers presurgical term neonates with prostaglandin-dependent cardiac lesions experience nutritional deficiency because of postponed enteral feeds. We recently adopted early enteral feeding in these infants. This retrospective study demonstrates feeding tolerance in 33 of 34 neonates fed enterally while receiving prostaglandin, suggesting the safety of this practice.