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Standardized feeding regimen for reducing necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: an updated systematic review
1Department of Neonatal Paediatrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, WA, Australia.
Insights
Standardized feeding regimens (SFR) significantly reduce necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. This review confirms SFR remains a vital tool for preventing NEC, highlighting its continued effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) poses a significant health burden in preterm infants.
- Previous reviews indicated substantial NEC reduction with standardized feeding regimens (SFR).
- Updated evidence is crucial given new studies and ongoing NEC challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and quantify the incidence of NEC in preterm infants before and after the implementation of SFR.
- To assess the continued effectiveness of SFR in preventing NEC in contemporary preterm populations.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL) and conference proceedings up to May 2016.
- Included were observational studies reporting NEC incidence pre- and post-SFR implementation.
- Meta-analysis using random-effects models was performed on data from 15 studies (N=18,160).
Main Results:
- Standardized feeding regimens (SFR) demonstrated a significant reduction in NEC incidence (Risk Ratio: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.13-0.36; P<0.00001).
- The pooled analysis indicated a substantial decrease in NEC risk, with high statistical significance.
- Results remained significant when analyzing studies across different time periods (1978-2003 vs. 2004-2016).
Conclusions:
- Standardized feeding regimens (SFR) are a highly effective intervention for preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants.
- The findings reinforce SFR as a critical component of neonatal care for reducing NEC.
- Continued adherence to and refinement of SFR protocols are recommended for optimal outcomes.
Objective:
A systematic review (2005) of observational studies has reported 87% reduction in the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after introducing standardized feeding regimen (SFR) in preterm infants. Considering the many new studies in this field since 2005 and the continued health burden of NEC, we aimed to systematically review the incidence of NEC in preterm infants 'before' vs 'after' implementing a SFR.
Study Design:
PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and E-abstracts from the Pediatric Academic Society meetings and other pediatric and neonatal conference proceedings were searched in May 2016. Observational studies reporting incidence of NEC before and after implementing a SFR were included. Relevant data were extracted independently by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was conducted using random effects model (REM) and results rechecked with fixed effects model.
Results:
Pooled results from 15 observational studies (N=18 160) using REM showed that SFR significantly reduced the incidence of NEC (risk ratio 0.22; 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.36; P<0.00001; I2=74%). The results remained significant after comparing studies in two epochs (1978 to 2003 vs 2004 to 2016).
Conclusion:
SFR continues to be an important tool in prevention of NEC in preterm infants.
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