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The fear of necrotizing enterocolitis versus achieving optimal growth in preterm infants—an opinion
Author(s) -
FlidelRimon Orna,
Branski David,
Shinwell Eric S.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1080/08035250600719713
Subject(s) - necrotizing enterocolitis , medicine , parenteral nutrition , enteral administration , intensive care medicine , pediatrics , low birth weight , enterocolitis , pregnancy , biology , genetics
Very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants suffer marked growth delay despite well‐intentioned efforts at combining enteral and parenteral nutrition. Fear of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has traditionally influenced neonatologists toward delaying and progressing slowly with enteral feeding, while supporting the infant with parenteral nutrition. Current evidence suggests significant benefits of enteral feeding that is started early and advanced at rates of 20–35 ml/kg/d. Conclusion : We conclude that fear of inadequate growth should replace the fear of NEC in guiding nutritional strategies for these infants.