Epidemiology

Infant feeding disorders occur from birth to 1 year of age. They affect 25% to 35% of children with normal development, and up to 80% of children with developmental delay.[7]

Feeding disorders occur more commonly in preterm infants than in those born at term.[3] One interdisciplinary feeding team in the US reported that 38% of their referrals had a history of prematurity, and infants born at less than 34 weeks' gestation were significantly over-represented in a European study.[3][4]

No significant gender difference has been found among different types of feeding disorder.[3][4]

The incidence of feeding disorders is increasing. This is partly attributed to the increased survival rates of infants born extremely prematurely, with extremely low birth weight, or complex medical conditions.[8]

Most feeding disorders are multifactorial in origin, with only 15% having an identified single causative factor.[4] Where more than 1 causative factor is identified, behavioural issues are seen in 80%, neurological conditions in 70%, and anatomical abnormalities in 60% of patients referred for consultant assessment and management.[4]

The most commonly reported feeding disorder in most studies is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.[3][9]

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