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Breast Milk Decreases the Risk of Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis

  • Ann M. Kosloske
Chapter
Part of the Advances in Nutritional Research book series (ANUR, volume 10)

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a syndrome that strikes premature infants, has become a leading cause of infant mortality in the United States, Canada, and many other countries. The pathogenesis of NEC is poorly understood, although leading theories have implicated bacteria, intestinal ischemia, formula feedings, immaturity of the neonatal gut and combinations thereof (Santulliet al.1975, Lawrenceet al.1982, Kosloske, 1990). This article summarizes our current understanding of NEC, including its history, clinical management, epidemiology and outcomes. Current theories of pathogenesis and prevention are outlined, with emphasis on the single agent with proven effectiveness for prevention: breast milk.

Keywords

Breast Milk Human Milk Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Bacterial Translocation Short Bowel Syndrome 
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© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2001

Authors and Affiliations

  • Ann M. Kosloske
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Surgery and PediatricsTexas Tech University School of MedicineLubbockUSA

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