rss
Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2008;93:F162-F166 doi:10.1136/adc.2007.115824
  • Review

Enteral feeding for very low birth weight infants: reducing the risk of necrotising enterocolitis

  1. M Chauhan1,
  2. G Henderson2,
  3. W McGuire1
  1. 1
    Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
  2. 2
    Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
  1. 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

  • Competing interests: None.

This Article

  1. Abstract
  2. Full text
  3. PDF
  4. All versions of this article:
    1. adc.2007.115824v1
    2. 93/2/F162 most recent

Responses

  1. Submit a response
  2. No responses published

Register for free content

The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.