Simulated Amniotic Fluid In Preventing Feeding Intolerance and Necrotizing Enterocolitis VLBW Neonates

Enteral Administration of a Simulated Amniotic Fluid In Preventing Feeding Intolerance And Necrotizing Enterocolitis In Very Low Birth Weight Neonates

The human fetus swallows over 200 ml of amniotic fluid per kilogram of weight each day and such swallowing is essential for normal small bowel development.Growth factors found in the amniotic fluid have been shown to promote proliferation of fetal intestinal cells. As feeding intolerance is a common problem among premature neonates, the investigators will study the role of enteral administration of simulated amniotic fluid solution in prevention of feeding intolerance and NEC in premature neonates.

Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) neonates.

Participants will be followed for the duration of hospital stay until discharge or death.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Premature infants with birth weight 1.5 Kg

Exclusion Criteria:

• Congenital or acquired anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract (i.e., omphalocele, tracheoesophageal fistula, intestinal perforation).
• Other major congenital anomalies (congenital heart disease, neural tube defect, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, trisomy, etc.).