600 Section - Assessment of Oral Motor Function Using the Neonatal Oral-Motor Assessment Scale (NOMAS) at the Completion of Swallowing Therapy in Neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

This study evaluated the oral motor function of neonates at swallowing therapy completion in the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) using the Neonatal Oral-Motor Assessment Scale(NOMAS), with the aim of identifying their functional characteristics.


Design:

From June 2024 to September 2025, 80 neonates who completed swallowing therapy in the NICU were assessed. NOMAS was administered at therapy discontinuation, which occurred when infants were able to finish the required feeding volume for age and weight within 20 minutes.


Results:

Among the 80 neonates, 37(46.25%) were boys and 43(53.75%) were girls. Gestational age was < 28weeks 22(27.5%), 28–31weeks 21(26.25%), 32–37weeks 32(40%), and ≥37weeks 5(6.25%) neonates. Birth weight was < 1,000g 19(23.75%), 1,000–1,499g 26(32.5%), 1,500–2,499g 26(32.5%), and ≥2,500g 9(11.25%) neonates. Diagnoses included congenital heart disease 8(10%), genetic disorders 5(6.25%), diaphragmatic hernia in 3(3.75%), esophageal atresia with fistula in 3(3.75%), preterm infants without brain injury 53(66.25%), and preterm infants with brain injury 8(10%). At the completion of swallowing therapy, the mean postmenstrual age(PMA) was 37.59±2.63weeks; mean bottle-feeding time was 14.63±3.89minutes; and mean intake volume was 55.85±13.8cc. NOMAS classifications were as follows: normal in 14(17.5%), disorganized 66(82.5%), and dysfunctional 0(0%). Sucking patterns were categorized as immature 12(15%), transitional 56(70%), mature 11(13.75%), and no pattern 1(1.25%).


Conclusion:

Even after the completion of swallowing therapy in NICU, most neonates showed immature or transitional sucking patterns, which were often disorganized. Continuous monitoring of oral motor function after NICU swallowing therapy is essential to support feeding development and prevent malnutrition.