Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Understanding and Treatment Strategies with the NEC-on-a-Chip Model
Published on: July 28, 2023
Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease in Neonates
Jennifer Fundora1, Susan W Aucott1,2
1Division of Neonatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Insights
Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is a common complication in neonates receiving parenteral nutrition. Management focuses on transitioning to enteral nutrition and exploring alternative therapies for persistent cases.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is a significant complication in neonates dependent on parenteral nutrition.
- The development of IFALD is multifactorial, influenced by the infant's primary condition and factors like prematurity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of IFALD in neonates.
- To identify contributing factors to IFALD development.
- To outline current management strategies for IFALD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological data.
- Analysis of factors contributing to IFALD.
- Synthesis of current clinical management approaches.
Main Results:
- IFALD is prevalent in neonates with intestinal failure requiring parenteral nutrition.
- Multiple infant-specific and disease-related factors contribute to IFALD.
- Management emphasizes safe transition to enteral feeding and alternative treatments.
Conclusions:
- Early identification and management of IFALD are crucial in neonatal care.
- Multifactorial etiology requires a comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment.
- Optimizing nutrition and minimizing parenteral nutrition exposure are key.
Abstract:
Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is common in neonates who suffer from intestinal failure and rely on parenteral nutrition. The etiology is multifactorial, relating to the infant's underlying cause of intestinal failure and other infant factors such as prematurity. Management of the disease includes transitioning to enteral feedings as soon as is safe for the infant. In infants who continue to rely on parenteral nutrition, alternative lipid emulsions and other medications may be used. This article reviews the epidemiology and factors that contribute to IFALD in neonates, in addition to management strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...

