Abstract
The importance of various feeding techniques in the development of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NNEC) was evaluated in a retrospective analysis of eleven infants with NNEC and eleven control infants. The eleven cases of NNEC occurred over a 14-month period. Control infants were chosen on the basis of gestational age, birth weight, and one and five minute Apgar scores. The severity of respiratory distress syndrome, the incidence of umbilical artery catheterisation, the occurrence of a patent ductus arteriosus, the incidence of hypotension, and the occurrence of acidosis or hypoxia was similar in the two groups. Feeding techniques were examined in the two groups. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the time of the first feeding (3.3±3.3 days for NNEC group versus 3.8±3.2 days for controls), the type of nutrition given (formula or frozen breast milk), how they were fed (transpyloric or gavage), or the amount being fed at the time of diagnosis of NNEC. This data suggests there was no relationship between the feeding techniques used and the development of NNEC. Frozen breast milk was fed exclusively to four infants who developed NNEC and two controls. There was no evidence that frozen breast milk protected an infant from NNEC.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wells, D., Gluck, L. FEEDING TECHNIQUES AND NEONATAL NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS. Pediatr Res 11, 544 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01047
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01047
