[Expert consensus on enteral nutrition management for preterm infants in special situations (2024)]

Area of Science:

• Neonatalogy
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Clinical Nutrition

Context:

• Establishing enteral nutrition in preterm infants is complex, especially for those with underlying health issues.
• Disease factors and medical treatments often hinder timely and adequate enteral feeding.
• Clinical decisions regarding feeding goals and methods for these infants remain challenging.

Purpose:

• To develop expert consensus recommendations for enteral nutrition management in preterm infants with special situations.
• To address controversies and provide clear guidance for clinical practice.
• To improve short- and long-term outcomes for preterm infants requiring specialized nutritional support.

Summary:

• A working group formulated 14 evidence-based recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.
• The consensus focuses on 9 common special situations encountered in preterm infant nutrition.
• Guidance covers optimal strategies for initiating and advancing enteral feeds safely and efficiently.

Impact:

• Aims to standardize and optimize enteral nutrition practices for high-risk preterm infants.
• Provides a valuable resource for clinicians managing complex feeding scenarios in neonatal intensive care units.
• Expected to enhance nutritional status and developmental trajectories in vulnerable preterm populations.