Specific Aim 1): To determine the effect of TP feeding on microaspiration and lung inflammation. Hypothesis: TP feeding will reduce the microaspiration and pulmonary inflammation in ventilated preterm infants. Evaluate markers of microaspiration (pepsin A) and lung inflammation [total cell counts, nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) activation, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), high-mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)] in TA samples obtained from preterm ventilated infants with and without TP feeding.~Specific Aim 2): To determine the effect of TP feeding on respiratory support. Hypothesis: TP feeding will decrease the respiratory severity score (RSS) [Fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) X mean airway pressure (MAP)] and number of infants requiring ventilator support. Evaluate respiratory support in preterm ventilated infants with and without TP feeding.
To determine the effect of transpyloric (TP) feeding on microaspiration and lung inflammation in ventilated preterm infants.