title: [Enteral feeding in children].
abstract: Enteral nutrition in children is indicated in and outside gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. When administered as a continuous flow, it makes it possible to obtain stationary motor, secretory and hormonal functions of the digestive tract and to increase its capacity for digestion and absorption. The introduction of semi-elemental diets has made it easier to perform and has enhanced its effectiveness; the preparation of nutritional mixtures requires a structure that is capable of ensuring accuracy and sterility. In some circumstances the conventional nasogastric tube can be replaced by percutaneous gastrostomy. Both monitoring and variations in intakes must take into account the child's nutritional and digestive status in terms of tolerability and efficacy. Enteral nutrition is indicated in such GI diseases as prolonged severe diarrhoea, extensive intestinal resections and inflammatory diseases. Outside GI pathologies it can be used in neonatology, metabolic diseases and intensive care. Enteral nutrition at home enables the nutritional support to be pursued in an optimal psychoaffective environment, and it must be envisaged as soon as medical condition permits.
authors.affiliation: Service de gastro-entérologie et nutrition, hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Paris.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Goulet
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D005526:Food, Formulated; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000628:therapy
vernacular_title: Nutrition entérale chez l'enfant.