Pancreatic Insufficiency, Digestive Enzyme Supplementation, and Postnatal Growth in Preterm Babies

Abstract

Background: Optimising postnatal growth facilitates better long-term neonatal neurodevelopmental outcomes. Early postnatal growth is often hindered by a variety of factors unique to the extrauterine environment and digestive immaturity both contributing to reduced enteral feed tolerance during the first few days and weeks after birth. Preterm infants display varying levels of pancreatic insufficiency that are related to gestational age and providing digestive enzyme supplementation, may be one way in which to improve postnatal growth in enterally fed preterm babies. Summary: In this review, we explore which exocrine pancreatic enzymes are deficient in preterm babies, the methods by which exocrine pancreatic function is measured, potential avenues by which digestive enzyme replacement might improve postnatal growth failure, and which babies might benefit most from this intervention. Key Messages: Pancreatic exocrine function exhibits developmental immaturity in extremely preterm infants and may contribute to postnatal growth failure. Stool elastase is a simple, noninvasive method of assessing pancreatic function in preterm infants. Available evidence does not currently support routine use of digestive enzyme supplementation in preterm infants.