title: Early Versus Late Minimal Enteral Feeding in Weeks Preterm Growth-Restricted neonates with Abnormal Antenatal Doppler Studies.
abstract: Abstract   Background: Preterm and growth-restricted babies are at high risk of milk intolerance and necrotising enterocolitis, as well as post-natal growth failure.   Objective: To evaluate the effects of an "early" enteral feeding regimen, starting on day 2 after birth compared to late enteral feeding, starting on day 6 after birth in preterm growth restricted babies with abnormal antenatal Doppler studies regarding the incidence of NEC and feeding intolerance.   Patients and Methods: Babies with gestational age below 37 weeks, and with birth weight below 10th centile for gestational age, will be randomly allocated to an "early" or "late" enteral feeding regimen.   Results: Hundred-thirty three infants enrolled in the study: 66 received early feeding and 67 received delayed feeding. The incidence of NEC and feeding intolerance was not significantly different between the two groups.   Conclusion: Early minimal enteral feeding (MEF) of preterm infants with IUGR and abnormal antenatal Doppler results may not have a significant effect on the incidence of NEC or feeding intolerance.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Department-NICU.
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abdelmaaboud
authors.forename: Abdelbaset
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mohammed