Nutrition for the Preterm Neonate

Abstract

Survival of extremely preterm neonates (gestation within 28 weeks from birth) has improved significantly following the advances in neonatal intensive care. Extra uterine growth restriction is a serious issue in this population. Nutritional exposures during this critical period in life influence the individual's risk of disease throughout life. Nutritional deficit and poor growth are associated with long term neurodevelopmental impairment, short stature and metabolic disorders in extremely preterm neonates. Optimising nutrition in the early postnatal life of the preterm neonate is therefore a priority. However this is easier said than done, considering the frequency of feed intolerance, fear of necrotising enterocolitis and the hesitancy in adopting an aggressive approach to parenteral nutrition in this population.Some of the finest researchers in the field have come together to provide the clinical perspective on the A to Z of nutrition in the preterm neonate in simple and clear fashion in this book. I am grateful to all authors for their valuable contributions, the quality of which reflects their expertise as clinicians and researchers. The topics that are covered range from the developmental physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, to aggressive enteral and parenteral nutrition, and feeding under special conditions such as intrauterine growth restriction and chronic lung disease. I hope that with its practical approach this book will be useful for everyone involved in neonatal intensive care and also for those aiming for an academic career in this field.I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Springer and their publishing editor Thijs van Vlijmen, for encouragement and support in getting this unique book published in a remarkably short period. I hope the readers appreciate the purpose and the passion behind this book.