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Pancreatic Insufficiency, Digestive Enzyme Supplementation, and Postnatal Growth in Preterm Babies

Jenkinson, Allan; Aladangady, Narendra; Wellmann, Sven; Eaton, Simon; Bührer, Christoph; Fleming, Paul; Roehr, Charles; (2024) Pancreatic Insufficiency, Digestive Enzyme Supplementation, and Postnatal Growth in Preterm Babies. Neonatology , 121 (3) pp. 283-287. 10.1159/000535964. Green open access

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Abstract

Background: Optimising postnatal growth facilitates better long-term neonatal neurodevelopmental outcomes. Early postnatal growth is often hindered by a variety of factors unique to the extrauterine environment and digestive immaturity both contributing to reduced enteral feed tolerance during the first few days and weeks after birth. Preterm infants display varying levels of pancreatic insufficiency that are related to gestational age and providing digestive enzyme supplementation, may be one way in which to improve postnatal growth in enterally fed preterm babies. Summary: In this review, we explore which exocrine pancreatic enzymes are deficient in preterm babies, the methods by which exocrine pancreatic function is measured, potential avenues by which digestive enzyme replacement might improve postnatal growth failure, and which babies might benefit most from this intervention. Key Messages: Pancreatic exocrine function exhibits developmental immaturity in extremely preterm infants and may contribute to postnatal growth failure. Stool elastase is a simple, non-invasive method of assessing pancreatic function in preterm infants. Available evidence does not currently support routine use of digestive enzyme supplementation in preterm infants.

Type: Article
Title: Pancreatic Insufficiency, Digestive Enzyme Supplementation, and Postnatal Growth in Preterm Babies
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1159/000535964
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1159/000535964
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Neonate, Pancreas, Exocrine glands
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health > Developmental Biology and Cancer Dept
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10184976
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