Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40691290›Full record

ArticlePediatric research2026

Characterization and diagnosis of feeding difficulties in full-term neonates in NICUs: a multicenter study.

Jing Wang, Jiaqi Mao, Bi Ze, Mengmeng Ge, Liyuan Hu, Xinran Dong, Bingbing Wu, Yulan Lu, Huijun Wang, Guoqiang Cheng and 3 more

Abstract readMulticenter Study
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in Pediatric research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

13 authors.

Jing WangDepartment of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Jiaqi MaoDepartment of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Bi ZeDepartment of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Mengmeng GeDepartment of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Liyuan HuDepartment of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Xinran DongCenter for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Bingbing WuCenter for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Yulan LuCenter for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Huijun WangCenter for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Guoqiang ChengDepartment of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Lin YangDepartment of Pediatric Endocrinology and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Tiantian XiaoDepartment of Neonatology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China. xiao13671814745@163.com.
Wenhao ZhouCenter for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. zhouwenhao@fudan.edu.cn.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundFeeding difficulties significantly impact neonatal well-being. This study explores the clinical characteristics, etiologies, and diagnostic practices for full-term neonates with feeding difficulties in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

methodsThis retrospective cohort study recruited full-term infants admitted to NICUs participating in the China Neonatal Genome Project from March 2017 to December 2021, diagnosed with feeding difficulties persisting >72 h.

resultsAmong 220 patients, the most common symptoms were poor sucking (39.5%), vomiting (22.3%), and dysphagia (14.1%). High-yield diagnostic modalities included genetic tests (83/220, 37.3%), brain imaging (70/145, 48.3%), laryngoscopy (47/54, 87.0%), and muscle biopsy (12/28, 42.9%). A definitive etiology was identified through clinical evaluation in 100 cases (45.5%), 48 of which (21.8%) were subsequently confirmed by genetic testing. In an additional 35 cases (15.9%), genetic results contributed to diagnostic clarification or revision. Compared to neonates without genetic disorders, the 83 patients with genetic disorders were more likely to have persistent feeding difficulties, reduced muscle tone, craniofacial deformities, urinary and reproductive system malformations, and a need for invasive respiratory support (P < 0.05 for all).

conclusionIdentifiable etiologies were found in over 60% cases, with genetic disorders representing a significant subset. Selective genetic testing and targeted diagnostic strategies are essential for managing feeding difficulties in this vulnerable population. IMPACT: Feeding difficulties in full-term neonates admitted to NICUs remain under-recognized compared to those in preterm infants. This study provides a comprehensive overview of their clinical features and underlying etiologies, highlighting a substantial proportion with identifiable causes, including genetic and non-genetic factors (e.g., neuromuscular and gastrointestinal). By outlining the diagnostic yield of key modalities and their clinical relevance, our findings offer practical guidance for early evaluation of feeding difficulties in this vulnerable population.

Indexed as

Intensive Care Units, NeonatalChinaDeglutition DisordersFemaleGenetic TestingHumansInfant, NewbornMaleRetrospective StudiesSucking BehaviorVomiting

Identifiers

PMID40691290

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