Effect of Routine Gastric Residual Aspiration on the Preterm Infant Fecal Microbiome.

Objective: Enteral feeding tubes are used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to assess feeding tolerance by utilizing preprandial gastric residual aspiration. This study evaluates the effect of gastric residual aspiration on the preterm infant fecal microbiome and gastrointestinal inflammation.

Study Design: Fifty-one very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (≤32 weeks' gestational age and ≤1,250 g) enrolled in a larger single-center randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of routine and nonroutine gastric residual aspiration were selected for further analysis.

Gastrointestinal Development: Implications for Management of Preterm and Term Infants.

The gastrointestinal (GI) system provides digestive, absorptive, neuroendocrine, and immunologic functions to support overall health. If normal development is interrupted, a variety of complications and disease can arise. This article explores normal development of the GI tract and specific clinical challenges pertinent to preterm and term infants.

Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Instead of Necrotizing Enterocolitis? A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Case Series.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is an important disease in infants born premature. However, other disease entities present with similar signs and symptoms. This series reviews 5 atypical cases initially diagnosed as necrotizing enterocolitis that may be more consistent with food protein-induced enterocolitis.

Probiotics in Newborns and Children.

Microbes and humans have been closely associated throughout evolution; this symbiotic and/or commensal relationship is crucial for normal development and health. The use of probiotics has been the topic of intense investigation in the past couple of decades because they have the capability to promote health. Based on these studies, it can be debated whether they are being used to promote overall health or to treat and prevent diseases.