Work

Necrotizing Enterocolitis Risk

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common cause of gastrointestinal-related morbidity and mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Its onset is sudden and the smallest, most premature infants are the most vulnerable. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a costly disease, accounting for nearly 20% of NICU costs annually. Necrotizing enterocolitis survivors requiring surgery often stay in the NICU more than 90 days and are among those most likely to stay more than 6 months. Significant variations exist in the incidence across regions and units. Although the only consistent independent predictors for NEC remain prematurity and formula feeding, others exist that could increase risk when combined. Awareness of NEC risk factors and adopting practices to reduce NEC risk, including human milk feeding, the use of feeding guidelines, and probiotics, have been shown to reduce the incidence of NEC. The purpose of this review is to examine the state of the science on NEC risk factors and make recommendations for practice and research.

Source: Advances in Neonatal Care

DOI: 10.1097/anc.0b013e31824cee94

Authors: Sheila M. Gephart, Jacqueline M. McGrath, Judith A. Effken, Melissa D. Halpern

Institutions: University of Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth University

Language: English

Topic: Infant Nutrition and Health

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Nursing Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development