Outcomes of early enteral feeding in very low birth weight infants: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Pediatr NeonatolMay 18, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPediatrics

Amani N Alansari, Marwa Messaoud, Alaa Ahmed Elshanbary et al.

✦ AI-curated · Sources linked

In 30 seconds

This meta-analysis evaluated early enteral feeding in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants using data from 17 randomized controlled trials. The study found that early feeding (≤72 hours) did not significantly increase mortality or necrotizing enterocolitis risk, but was associated with a reduction in sepsis incidence (RR = 0.78) and a shorter time to full enteral feeding (MD = -2.72 days).

Key findings

  • Early feeding did not significantly increase mortality (RR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.51 to 1.01).
  • There was a significant reduction in sepsis incidence (RR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.98).
  • Early feeding shortened the time to full enteral feeding by an average of 2.72 days (MD = -2.72 days; 95% CI: -5.08 to -0.36).
  • No significant differences were found in the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Why it matters

Understanding the impact of early enteral feeding on VLBW infants is crucial for optimizing neonatal care. This study suggests that early feeding may not pose additional risks and could lead to improved feeding timelines and reduced sepsis rates.

Source

PubMed · PMID 42288415

Published in Pediatr Neonatol. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

ShareTelegramLinkedIn

AI-generated summaries may contain errors or omissions. Verify clinically important information with the original publication.

More in Pediatrics

Clinical ResearchPreventive Medicine / Public Health

2025 National Guidelines on the Mediterranean Diet: Executive Summary of a Joint Report by Italian Scientific Societies and the National Institute of Health Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.

This systematic review and practice guideline, developed by a multidisciplinary panel using NUTRIGRADE, assessed Mediterranean diet evidence across nine health domains and one economic domain.

Nutr RevNov 12, 2026Read summary
Clinical ResearchOrthopedic Surgery

Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism after Total Hip or Knee Replacement.

This multicenter randomized comparative-effectiveness noninferiority trial compared 30 days of aspirin, warfarin, or rivaroxaban for VTE prophylaxis after elective total hip or knee arthroplasty.

N Engl J MedNov 12, 2026Read summary
Clinical ResearchAnesthesiology

Effect of discontinuing antihypertensives on perioperative hypotension in older patients before non-cardiac surgery: multicentre, randomised, double blind, controlled trial.

This multicentre, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial assessed whether withholding ACE inhibitors or ARBs on the morning of surgery reduces perioperative hypotension in older adults undergoing non-cardiac…

BMJNov 11, 2026Read summary

Want this personalized?

Stop searching the literature. Choose what you follow and xxcode will build your personalized medical digest.

  • Your specialties
  • Your filters and thresholds
  • Clinical Research + Case Reports, tuned separately
  • Automatic weekly delivery
  • Audio and text
Create my personalized digestSee plans

Prefer listening? Personalized audio digests are available with Pro.

Stay updated for free

Get the 3 most interesting publications in one specialty each week.

Weekly email. Unsubscribe anytime.