Gastrointestinal Development: Implications for Management of Preterm and Term Infants

Mary W Lenfestey; Josef Neu

doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2018.07.005

Gastrointestinal Development: Implications for Management of Preterm and Term Infants

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2018 Dec;47(4):773-791. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2018.07.005. Epub 2018 Sep 28.

Authors

Mary W Lenfestey¹, Josef Neu²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, PO Box 100296, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
² Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, 6516 Southwest 93rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. Electronic address: neuj@peds.ufl.edu.

PMID: 30337032
DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2018.07.005

Abstract

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. Specific topics include abnormal motility, gastroesophageal reflux, current feeding recommendations for preterm infants, effects of parenteral nutrition, and the relationship between the GI tract and the immune system.

Keywords: Gastroesophageal reflux; Gastrointestinal motility; Inflammation; Microbiome; Neonatal nutrition.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Gastroesophageal Reflux / etiology
Gastrointestinal Motility
Gastrointestinal Tract / growth & development*
Gastrointestinal Tract / immunology
Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Parenteral Nutrition