Indwelling Polyethylene Tube in the Feeding of Premature Infants

Summary Seventy‐three premature infants have been fed during the first weeks of life through an indwelling nasal polyethylene tube. Eight of them died; the cause of death being cerebral hemorrhage in three cases, congenital malformation of the brain in one case, and immaturity in four cases. The survivors did well and the average hospitalization time was 58 days. The tube was left in for an average period of 17 days, the longest time being 48 days. No complications were encountered. The method is considered to present obvious advantages as compared with the ordinary gavage method and is recommended for use particularly in the treatment of prematures who are very small or in poor condition.