FREQUENCY OF NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS IN EARLY VERSES LATE TROPHIC FEEDING IN VLBW (VERY LOW BIRTH WIGHT) PRETERM INFANTS.

BACKGROUND: Because the gastrointestinal tract is immature, feeding (very low birth weight) VLBW or very preterm infants presents a special problem. Improving optimal growth, long-term results, and reducing morbidities all depend on early nutrition. OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of necrotizing enterocolitis with early trophic feeding in very low birth weight preterm infant. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive vase study. SETTING: Pediatrics Department, Sir Gangs Ram Hospital, Lahore. DURATION OF STUDY: 6 months METHODOLOGY: A total of 90 infants fulfilling selection criteria were included in the study. Demographic information (name, gender, gestational age at birth, birth weight) was obtained. Then infant was given early feed within 24 hours after birth. The choice of milk was of mother's milk. Then infants were followed-up in NUCI for next 24 hours. On the first day of feeding infant received 1- 2cc/kg of milk every 2-3hr and then the volume is set up of feed according to given feeding schedule table in succeeding days. Infant could be shift to oral feed when able to suck effectively. Daily feeding chart was maintained in each subject file. These infants were observed daily for 15 days in OPD. Parents were given feeding pattern. After 15 days, if infant showed NEC signs, then NEC was labeled. Infants with NEC were managed as per hospital protocol. DATA ANALYSIS: Data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: In our study, out of 90 cases, 48.88%(n=44) had <34 weeks of gestation whereas 51.12%(n=46) had >34 weeks of gestation, mean+sd was calculated as 33.09+1.88 weeks. Mean birth weight was calculated as 1306.67+129.95 grams, 35.56%(n=32) were male and 64.44%(n=58) were females. Frequency of necrotizing enterocolitis with early trophic feeding in very low birth weight preterm infant was recorded as 5.56%(n=5). CONCLUSION: The conclusion was the frequency of necrotizing enterocolitis with early trophic feeding is not very higher in very low birth weight preterm infant resulting in better neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes, which could lessen the social and financial burden that preterm places on society. However, the occurrence of NEC may be in mind of the pediatricians and parents as well.