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Vitamin B12 absorption after necrotizing enterocolitis
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|August 1, 1984
Insights
Neonatal surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis can impair vitamin B12 absorption. Routine monitoring for vitamin B12 deficiency is recommended for at-risk infants following ileum resection.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition in premature infants.
- Surgical resection of the terminal ileum is a common treatment for NEC.
- Ileum resection can lead to malabsorption of vitamin B12.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a method for measuring vitamin B12 absorption in neonates.
- To assess the risk of vitamin B12 malabsorption and deficiency after ileum resection.
- To recommend follow-up protocols for affected infants.
Main Methods:
- A specific method was employed to measure vitamin B12 absorption.
- Results from this measurement method were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The study successfully measured vitamin B12 absorption in neonates post-ileum resection.
- Findings indicate a potential risk for malabsorption and subsequent deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Infants undergoing terminal ileum resection for NEC are at risk of vitamin B12 malabsorption.
- Vitamin B12 absorption assessment should be a standard part of follow-up care for these children.
Abstract:
Resection of the terminal ileum for necrotizing enterocolitis is not uncommon in neonates requiring intensive care in the first weeks of life. They may therefore be at risk of vitamin B12 malabsorption, and later of vitamin B12 deficiency. A method of measuring B12 absorption is described and the results are given. This assessment should be part of the follow up for all these children.