Study of Normal Intestinal Development and Disease in Premature and Term Neonates

Study of Normal Intestinal Development and Disease in Premature and Term Neonates - a Pathway for the Study of Premature and Neonatal Intestinal Disorders Including the Roles of Nutrition, Microbes, and Cellular Physiology, and Diseases Including Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Current research on early intestinal development is primarily performed in mouse models. While useful in many other ways, mouse models are not ideal for studying human intestine development as the timing of this process differs between the two species. Further, prior research has demonstrated that some proteins and pathways that are critical in human development have no clear role in mice.

This study aims to improve the overall understanding of critical aspects of intestinal development in humans. In addition, this study will investigate the impact of intestinal diseases that are found in the early stages of life such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any neonate or infant through 2 years of age having intestinal surgery or intestinal biopsies from an esophogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or colonoscopy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children > 2 years of age.
• Infants 0-2 years old not undergoing GI surgery or intestinal scope with biopsy procedure.