Impact of Early-Onset Preeclampsia on Hospital Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants

Overview

This study investigates the association between maternal early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and feeding intolerance (FI) in very preterm infants. Findings indicate that EOPE-exposed infants have a significantly higher incidence of FI and prolonged time to full enteral feeding compared to controls.

Background

Early-onset preeclampsia is a significant pregnancy complication that can affect fetal development and outcomes. Very preterm infants are particularly vulnerable to gastrointestinal complications, including feeding intolerance, which can lead to prolonged hospitalization and adverse long-term outcomes.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• EOPE-exposed infants had a higher incidence of feeding intolerance (77.0% vs. 41.4%, P < 0.001).
• Time to full enteral feeding was longer in EOPE-exposed infants (13.0 days vs. 9.5 days, P = 0.017).
• EOPE was identified as an independent risk factor for feeding intolerance (OR=2.290, P = 0.035).
• Lower birth weight was also associated with increased risk of feeding intolerance.
• Feeding intolerance is correlated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should monitor feeding tolerance closely in very preterm infants, particularly those exposed to early-onset preeclampsia. Enhanced nutritional support strategies may be necessary to address the increased risk of feeding intolerance in this population.

Conclusion

Maternal early-onset preeclampsia is associated with a higher risk of feeding intolerance in very preterm infants.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Feeding Difficulties in Preterm-born Children Aged 0–7 Years: An Observational Cohort Study
2. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2026 -- Altered Notch pathway-related protein expression in cord blood of preeclampsia offspring: a pilot study
3. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2026 -- The association of the ALBI score with disease severity and perinatal outcomes in the preeclampsia spectrum
4. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2026 -- A secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study: association between aspirin regime and early- and late-onset preeclampsia
5. International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy -- 2021 classification, diagnosis & management recommendations for international practice
6. ScienceDirect, 2025 -- Full exclusively enteral fluids from day 1 versus gradual feeding in preterm infants (FEED1): an open-label, parallel-group, multicentre, randomised, superiority trial
7. The 2021 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy classification, diagnosis & management recommendations for international practice
8. Full exclusively enteral fluids from day 1 versus gradual feeding in preterm infants (FEED1): an open-label, parallel-group, multicentre, randomised, superiority trial - ScienceDirect
9. Risk factors of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants: a meta-analysis