Feeding methods for the preterm infant.
As more very immature preterm infants survive, provision of enteral feedings has become a major focus of concern. Although many aspects of gastrointestinal function are immature in the preterm infant, the ability of the preterm neonate to process and absorb enteral nutrients appears to be adequate enough to sustain nutritional needs. Few prospective randomized trials have compared the efficacy of different feeding methods. However, some studies have compared differing routes of feeding, rates of feeding, and volume of feeding. The ability to successfully digest enteral feedings may be inhibited or enhanced by pharmacological agents. The need to modify a feeding strategy can be monitored by tracking several measurements prospectively. Finally, there is a need to assess ongoing dietary needs of preterm infants for discharge planning.
Berseth
C L
CL
Department of Pediatrics, Newborn Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. cberseth@neo.bcm.tmc.edu
D004063:Digestion / Q000502:physiology; D004068:Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008895:Milk, Human; D010351:Patient Discharge; D013391:Sucking Behavior