REVIEW

Nutritional support in the premature newborn

J W L Puntis

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr J W L Puntis
Department of Paediatrics, Room 142, B Floor, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Belmont Grove, Leeds LS2 9NS, UK; john.puntis{at}leedsth.nhs.uk

The theory and practice of nutritional support in the premature newborn has assumed increasing importance with survival of greater numbers of very immature infants. After birth, many do not tolerate full enteral feeding until gastrointestinal motor function has matured. During this process some will develop necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating failure of adaptation to postnatal life that may result in death, or severe complications. The feeding strategy that minimises the risk of NEC remains to be defined. In addition, promoting growth rates and nutrient accretion equivalent to those achieved during fetal development while optimising neurodevelopmental and long term health outcomes represents an important challenge for neonatologists. This review will focus on the problems associated with enteral nutrition, the requirement for parenteral nutrition, and the long term consequences of early nutritional interventions, underlining the need for prolonged follow up in assessing the potential benefits of different approaches to feeding.

Abbreviations: NEC, necrotising enterocolitis; PN, parenteral nutrition

Keywords: nutrition; paediatrics; neonates; newborns

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• Vanhaesebrouck, S, Vanhole, C, Zegher, F d., Allegaert, K (2008). Influence of duration of parenteral nutrition on retinopathy of prematurity. Arch. Dis. Child. Fetal Neonatal Ed. 93: F170-F170 [Full Text]