effects of early feeding support on the postoperative weight gain status of infants with esophageal atresia

background: infants may lose their body resources after surgery due to inadequate nutrient intake and undergoing long periods of fasting after surgery for esophageal atresia, increases risk of several complications. aim: this study aimed to evaluate the effects of early feeding support on the postoperative weight gain status of infants with esophageal atresia. method: this randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 36 infants with esophageal atresia (type c) selected 48 hours after surgery during july 2015-march 2016 at dr. sheikh hospital of mashhad, iran. in the intervention group, detecting no lack of leakage on chest x-ray, feeding was initiated and the control group received routine feeding. neonatal weight changes were measured daily using a digital scale (tanita model) since the first day after the surgery and one month after discharge from the hospital. data was analysed using spss version 16 by independent t-test and chi-square. results: mean neonatal weight on admission was 2558.1±337.4 grams in the intervention group and 2547.6±856 grams in the control group (p=0.47). results of independent t-test showed that daily weight gain before and after feeding was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (p=0.01). moreover, weight gain one month after discharge had a significant difference between infants of the intervention and control groups (p=0.03). implications for practice: according to the results of this study, early feeding support could improve the weight index of neonates with esophageal atresia. considering the possible complications and long-term consequences of surgery, early initiation of feeding could be an appropriate remedial measure in infants with esophageal atresia.