Enteral nutrition and access

Abstract

Delivering proper nutrition to infants and children is important not only to ensure optimal growth and development but also to maximize their recovery in the setting of critical illness, severe trauma, or major surgery. Premature infants, children with short bowel syndrome, and those who are critically ill have specialized needs and are especially at risk for malnutrition and its sequelae. When the gastrointestinal tract is functional, enteral nutrition or supplementation is frequently an option but requires a careful consideration of the individual’s needs for calories, metabolites, and trace elements. Access for delivery of enteral nutrition can also be a challenge especially for children with multiple concomitant medical conditions, orofacial anomalies, or need for long-term supplementation.