Late Enteral Feedings Are Associated with Intestinal XXXX and Adverse Neonatal Outcomes.

@entity1 @entity32 @entity1030 @entity989 @entity687 @entity688
BACKGROUND: Morbidities of impaired immunity and @entity32 are common in preterm @entity1 . Postnatal Intestinal development plays a critical role in the maturation of the immune system and is, in part, driven by exposure to an enteral diet. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the timing of the first enteral feeding on intestinal @entity32 and risk of disease. METHODS: 130 @entity1 <33 weeks' gestation were studied. Maternal and @entity1 data were abstracted from the medical record. Single and multiplex ELISA assays quantified cytokines from fecal and serum samples at two weeks postnatal age. RESULTS: A delay in enteral feedings after the third postnatal day is associated with a 4.5 (95% CI 1.8-11.5, p=0.002) fold increase in @entity1030 , 2.9 (1.1-7.8, p=0.03) fold increase in @entity989 , and 3.4 (1.2-9.8, p=0.02) fold increase in multiple comorbidities compared to @entity1 fed on or before the third day. Additionally, a delay in the initiation of feedings is associated with increased fecal @entity687 levels and a decreased @entity688 : @entity687 ratio. CONCLUSIONS: A delay in enteral feeding is associated with intestinal @entity32 and increased risks of morbidities. To improve neonatal outcomes, early nutritional practices need to be reevaluated.
