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Microfluidic Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Incorporating Human Neonatal Intestinal Enteroids and a Dysbiotic Microbiome
06:51

Microfluidic Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Incorporating Human Neonatal Intestinal Enteroids and a Dysbiotic Microbiome

Published on: July 28, 2023

Development of gastrointestinal function: risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis

David A Clark1, Amy L Mitchell

  • 1Albany Medical College, Albany, New York.

The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics : JPPT : the Official Journal of PPAG
|November 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Fetal intestinal development is crucial for premature infants. Understanding these developmental limitations helps prevent serious intestinal diseases like necrotizing enterocolitis in high-risk newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal development
  • Gastrointestinal physiology
  • Perinatology

Background:

  • The fetal gastrointestinal tract undergoes rapid development during the third trimester.
  • Premature infants exhibit immature intestinal functions, including motility, digestion, absorption, and barrier defense.
  • These immature functions increase the risk of acute intestinal injury and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review fetal gastrointestinal tract development.
  • To identify feeding challenges in high-risk premature infants.
  • To discuss necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious intestinal disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of fetal gastrointestinal development.
  • Analysis of physiological limitations in premature infants.
  • Review of clinical data on necrotizing enterocolitis.

Main Results:

  • Fetal intestinal maturation is a critical process occurring late in gestation.
  • Prematurity leads to significant gastrointestinal functional deficits.
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis is a primary concern in feeding premature neonates.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding fetal intestinal development is key to managing premature infants.
  • Addressing feeding barriers is essential for preventing intestinal complications.
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis remains a significant challenge in neonatal care.

Keywords:
gastrointestinal tractnecrotizing enterocolitisprematurity

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