Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
09:36

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers

Published on: July 28, 2022

Enteral feeding of preterm neonates: a survey of Australian neonatologists

S Patole1, R Muller

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Kirwan Hospital for Women, Townsville, Australia.

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
|December 29, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Enteral feeding practices for preterm neonates vary significantly, potentially contributing to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This study surveyed Australian neonatologists to understand current practices and reduce variations in infant nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Postnatal growth restriction is a significant concern for preterm neonates, particularly those with extremely low birth weight.
  • These neonates are at high risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
  • Variations in enteral feeding practices and feed intolerance signs contribute to NEC risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document current enteral feeding practices among Australian neonatologists for neonates under 32 weeks' gestation.
  • To identify and discuss controversial feeding practices in light of existing evidence.
  • To emphasize the need for standardized nutritional protocols.

Main Methods:

  • A survey using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to Australian neonatologists.
  • The survey focused on enteral feeding practices for preterm infants (< 32 weeks' gestation).

Main Results:

  • Significant variations in enteral feeding practices were identified among Australian neonatologists.
  • Specific controversial practices were highlighted and discussed.
  • The survey data underscores the heterogeneity in clinical approaches to feeding high-risk neonates.

Conclusions:

  • Variations in clinical practice, including fluid management and feeding regimens, may contribute to iatrogenic NEC.
  • Minimizing variations in nutritional practices is crucial for improving outcomes in preterm infants.
  • Standardization of enteral feeding protocols is recommended to reduce NEC incidence and improve growth outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding01:15

Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding

Enteral nutrition encompasses various methods of delivering nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, bypassing traditional oral intake. It is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot eat by mouth but have a functioning digestive system. Key methods include nasointestinal feeding, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy, each suited to different clinical scenarios based on the patient's needs and condition.
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding01:26

Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding

Enteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly to the stomach or small intestine through a tube. This method is appropriate for patients who cannot eat but still have a functioning digestive system. It is also beneficial for individuals with swallowing difficulties, anorexia, malabsorption, or those who have undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition01:27

Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...