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We were interested to read Heo et al’s1 well-designed study where infants were allocated randomly to control, swallowing therapy (ST) or sensorimotor oral stimulation+swallow therapy (SOMST) groups. While outcomes are impressive in reducing neonatal stay, we do have some concerns. It was interesting to note that the ST group did not progress as well as the SOMST group. This is surprising given that in Lau and Smith’s2 study, infants receiving ST progressed to independent oral feeding aged 36.6±0.5 post menstrual age (PMA) in comparison with infants in Heo and colleagues SOMST group who were independent oral feeders at 37.0±0.5. Incidentally, Lau and Smith2 initiated their intervention when …
Footnotes
Contributors CMH and S–LC contributed equally to the letter.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; internally peer reviewed.