title: Evidence-based feeding strategies before and after the development of necrotizing enterocolitis.
abstract: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease of premature infants and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While the pathogenesis of NEC remains incompletely understood, it is well established that the risk of disease is increased by the administration of infant formula and decreased by the administration of breast milk. This review will focus on the mechanisms by which breast milk may serve to protect against NEC, and will review the evidence regarding various feeding strategies that may be utilized before and after an episode of NEC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Misty
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Good
authors.forename: Chhinder P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Sodhi
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hackam
mesh_terms: D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005248:Feeding Methods; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula; D008895:Milk, Human
keywords: amniotic fluid; breast milk; growth factors; innate immunity; necrotizing enterocolitis; prematurity; toll-like receptor 4