Necrotising enterocolitis in the very low birthweight infant: expressed breast milk feeding compared with parenteral feeding.

Abstract

The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birthweight infants (VLBW .ltoreq. 1500 g) was reduced by the delayed onset of enteral feeding. Eight (18%) out of 44 VLBW infants who were in hosptial during the 1st yr of the study developed NEC. During the next 12 mo., 85 similar infants were initially fed by parenteral nutrition only and then from age 14-21 days with infant formula. During the 2nd yr only 3 (3%) patients developed NEC. There were no other relevant changes in managment. Throughout the entire study, the onset of NEC in each infant in whom it occurred was after the start of enteral feeding. Avoiding enteral feeding in VLBW infants during the period that they are particularly vulnerable, i.e., the first 2 or 3 wk of life is recommended.