本研究旨在瞭解早產兒於出生初期，包括禁食期間、灌食期間，胃液酸鹼值之變化及其影響因素。採橫斷式調查研究設計，研究期間自2007年8月至2008年7月，採立意取樣，研究對象為某醫學中心新生兒加護病房，放置胃管之早產兒共48位，以每天一次於餵食前反抽胃液時，並以PH試紙檢測反抽液之酸鹼值，探討影響因素。結果顯示，共48位放置胃管之早產兒參與研究，平均妊娠週數為29.5±2.7週，並採取1,070人次樣本數做分析，結果發現早產兒出生初期胃部反抽液PH值為3.36±1.26，PH值≥6的發生率為3.6%，影響因素包括妊娠週數、放置氣管內管、抽吸頻率、餵食頻率、靜脈注射營養及藥物使用等變項，且達統計上之顯著差異。

The aim of this study is to explore the changes in gastric PH and its influencing factors including fasting and feeding period of the preterm infants during the early days of neonatal period. This is a cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from August, 2007 to July, 2008. The study used convenience sampling in the neonatal intensive care unit in a medical center. Forty-eight preterm infants were enrolled. NG aspirate was checked for PH values once a day by using PH test paper before feeding. Influencing factors of the PH values were evaluated. The PH of aspirate was determined by visual readings using a PH test strip. The PH values of aspirates were recorded. Analyses on the association among test results and infants’ postmenstrual age, body weight, endotracheal tube use, frequency of suctioning, frequency of feeding, use of medications (e.g., H2-blocker, anti-gastroesophageal reflux, theophylline), and parenteral nutrition were conducted. Result: Forty-eight premature infants contributed to 1,070 measurements. Mean gestational age were 29.5±2.7 weeks. The PH value of aspirates was 3.36±1.26. The value ≥6 was 3.6%. The related factors including PMA, endotracheal tube use, frequency of suctioning, frequency of feeding, concentration of milk, use of medications, and parenteral nutrition were statistically different (P<0.05). This study provides clinical staff in the neonatal care units with relevant factors while using PH value to determine the correct position of the tip of NG tube in the stomach.