Pediatr Crit Care Me
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Aug 2023
ReviewEnteral Nutrition During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Neonatal and Pediatric Populations: A Literature Review.
The number of infants and children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is rising. While critically ill, providers may believe that enteral nutrition puts the patient at risk for severe complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis. However, enteral nutrition is associated with the potential to improve the gut barrier and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this article is to review the existing evidence about providing exclusive enteral and parenteral nutrition and its association with rates of complications and mortality in critically ill neonatal and pediatric populations on ECMO. ⋯ The use of enteral nutrition in the neonatal and pediatric population while on ECMO has the potential to improve survival rates and reduce complications. Further studies are needed to investigate how to optimize this population's nutrition and develop feeding protocols and pathways.