Dilemmas in feeding infants with intestinal failure: a neonatologist's perspective

J Perinatol. 2023 Jan;43(1):114-119. doi: 10.1038/s41372-022-01504-4. Epub 2022 Sep 20.

Abstract

Intestinal failure in neonatal and pediatric populations can be debilitating for patients and difficult to manage for clinicians. Management strategies include referral to an intestinal rehabilitation center, small volume trophic feeds to stimulate the intestine with cautious advancement of enteral nutrition using a standardized and evidence-based feeding protocol, and supplemental parenteral nutrition to optimize an infant's growth and nutrition. In this review, we discuss the causes of intestinal failure, parenteral nutrition strategies, enteral feeding initiation and advancement protocols, as well as the challenges in feeding an infant with intestinal failure.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Enteral Nutrition / methods
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Intestinal Failure*
  • Neonatologists
  • Parenteral Nutrition / methods