The Benefits of Breastfeeding and Reducing the Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Preterm Infant

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was first described in 1965 and today is one of the most common life­‐threatening gastrointestinal problems associated with prematurity (Duthie & Lander, 2013). Necrotizing enterocolitis (Necrotizing-­causes tissue death, Enterocolitis­‐inflamed small intestine and colon (Seattle Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 2014)) is a condition characterized by ischemic necrosis of the intestinal mucosa which is associated with inflammation, increases in enteric gas forming organisms, and dissection of gas into the muscularis and portal venous system (Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA, 1996). While the exact cause of the disease is unknown it is believed that the following factors appear to play a role: • The infant’s gastrointestinal tract is not mature enough to properly move food when the baby is fed, resulting in irritated and inflamed intestines. • Intestinal bacteria reproduce and the infant’s immune system is unable to protect the intestines from the bacteria, causing the intestines to become infected. The infant’s immature immune system overreacts to the infection, inflammation increases and may result in blister formation inside the intestines. • Blood flow to the infant’s intestines is poor; this may be due to bacteria within the intestines. Improper blood flow can damage the tissue and lead to tissue death. Dead tissue increases the risk of perforation, which can lead to intestinal leakage of stool and bacteria into the abdomen, causing infections (peritonitis) (Seattle Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 2014).Master of Public Healt