Current Practices, Challenges, and Recommendations in Enteral Nutrition After Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a neonatal disease with high mortality and morbidity. There is a lack of evidence-based recommendations on nutritional rehabilitation following NEC, and much of the current practice is guided by institutional policies and expert opinions. After a diagnosis of NEC, infants are exposed to an extended period of bowel rest and a prolonged course of antibiotics. Recognizing the patient characteristics that predict nutritional tolerance, early initiation of enteral nutrition, minimizing periods of bowel rest and antibiotic exposure, and standardization of dietary practices are the mainstay of post-NEC nutrition.

Keywords: Breast milk; Enteral nutrition; Intestinal failure; Necrotizing enterocolitis; Parenteral nutrition; Prematurity.