Feeding strategies in the ELBW infant
Abstract:
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a common emergency that carries high morbidity and mortality for extremely low birth weight infants. To date there have been no multicenter randomized controlled trials to evaluate different feeding strategies and NEC. Clinicians must weigh their experience against small amounts of data in deciding the best way to feed their patients. Currently published feeding protocols and evidence for the same will be reviewed. Also reviewed is the evidence for use of human milk, initiation and advancement of feedings, and the use of probiotics.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
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...
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Parental Care
Many animals exhibit parental care behavior, including feeding, grooming, and protecting young offspring. Parental care is universal in mammals and birds, which often have young that are born relatively helpless. Several species of insects and fish, as well as some amphibians, also care for their young.


