Enteral feeding for very low birth weight infants: reducing the risk of necrotising enterocolitis
- 1Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
- 2Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Dr W McGuire, Centre for Newborn Care, The Canberra Hospital, ACT 2606, Australia; william.mcguire{at}act.gov.au
- Accepted 30 October 2007
- Published Online First 15 November 2007
Abstract
The principal modifiable risk factors for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birth weight infants relate to enteral feeding practices. Evidence exists that feeding with formula milk increases the risk of NEC. Currently, only limited data are available on the effect of the timing of feed introduction and advancement on the risk of developing NEC. Large, multicentre randomised controlled trials of these strategies are needed. Other promising interventions that merit further evaluation include the use of prebiotics and probiotics, and the avoidance of exposure to H2-receptor antagonists.
Footnotes
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Competing interests: None.
