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Objective Anemia of prematurity (AOP) and oral feeding problems are common in premature infants. This study aimed to determine the influence of AOP on aerodigestive outcomes and the duration to full Per Oral (PO). Study Design Prospectively collected data on premature infants who initiated oral feeds at ≤ 34 weeks' postmenstrual age were examined. Infants were categorized into “AOP+” and “AOP−” based on hematocrit at initial PO, that is, Results Forty-four infants in AOP+ compared with 74 in AOP−. AOP+ infants had lower birth gestation and weight (p Conclusion AOP is not independently associated with the duration to full PO. Supplemental oxygen for associated comorbidities may have compensated for the underlying anemia.

Objective This study aimed to increase the understanding of secretion management in infants with tracheostomies. In this case series, we describe objective evidence for an unconventional approach in infants refractory to conventional management techniques. Study Design Case study of two NICU infants utilizing high-resolution manometry was undertaken using personalized oral stimulation protocols with fruity foods. Results Oral stimulation improved infant swallowing to clear secretions and reduce the need for suctioning. Conclusion Innovative oral stimulation protocols are needed to improve swallowing in high-risk infants.

Pulmonary aspiration is the consequence of abnormal entry of fluid, particulate material, or endogenous secretions into the airway. The two main types of aspiration scenarios include anterograde aspiration, which occurs during swallowing, and retrograde aspiration, which can occur during gastroesophageal reflux (GER) events. The important structures that protect against aspiration include the aerodigestive apparatus: pharynx, upper esophageal sphincter, esophageal body, glottis and vocal cords, and airway. In this article we review the neuroanatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology pertinent to glottic reflexes and airway aspiration across the age spectrum from neonates to adults. We also discuss recent advances in our understanding of glottal reflexes and the relationship of these reflexes to developmental anatomy and physiology, the pathophysiology of aspiration, and aerodigestive interactions.

Suppurative parotitis in neonates is very rare. We report a case of unilateral suppurative parotitis in a 29-week gestation age infant, who recovered completely following medical treatment. Diagnosis was by clinical examination and microbiology, and parotid involvement confirmed by computed tomographic (CT) scan. The causative organism was coagulase negative Staphylococcus epidermidis.