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Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
Published on: July 28, 2022
[Gastro-intestinal disorders in premature neonates receiving early enteral feeding (author's transl)]
Insights
Early enteral feeding is safe for most premature infants, even those at risk for gastro-intestinal (G-I) disorders. Feeding should be carefully monitored, with temporary interruption advised for low birth weight infants experiencing asphyxia.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
Context:
- Gastro-intestinal (G-I) disorders are a concern in premature neonates.
- Mesenteric ischemia symptoms were present in 95 studied premature infants.
- Early feeding with tyndallized maternal milk was common in this cohort.
Purpose:
- To investigate the incidence and risk factors of G-I disorders, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), in premature neonates.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early enteral feeding in at-risk premature infants.
Summary:
- No definitive necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was diagnosed in 95 premature neonates, though suspected in 4.2% and minor changes in 7.3%.
- Low birth weight (<1,500 gm) and secondary apnea/asphyxia during mechanical ventilation were correlated with G-I disorders.
- Early enteral feeding is recommended for high-risk prematures due to low severe G-I impairment incidence and feeding benefits, with careful symptom monitoring.
Impact:
- Informs clinical practice regarding feeding strategies for premature infants.
- Highlights the importance of monitoring G-I symptoms and considering asphyxia events.
- Supports the continuation of early enteral feeding while managing risks in vulnerable neonates.
Abstract:
Gastro-intestinal (G-I) disorders were studied in 95 premature neonates. Each child presented with at least one of the features usually associated with mesenteric ischemia. Nearly all the children had been fed early with tyndallized maternal milk. No certain necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was observed; however, it was suspected in 4 children (4.2%) and in 7 (7.3%), minor changed occurred. Among the 13 factors examined which might be responsible for inducing NEC, only 2 were correlated with G-I disorders: low birth weight (less than 1,500 gm) and occurrence of secondary apnea or asphyxia incidents during mechanical ventilation. This study led to the following practical conclusion: maintenance of early enteral feeding in prematures theoretically at risk for G-I disorders, taking into account the low incidence of severe G-I impairments and of the advantages of such a feeding method, while carefully supervising intestinal symptoms; preventative and temporary interruption of feeding in low weight prematures, in case of acute asphyxia or hypoxia episodes.
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