Enteral feeding policies for extremely low birth weight infants. A survey in 74 Italian neonatal intensive cAre units

Background: Enterai feeding for infants with birth weight1000 g (ELBWI) is still a controversial issue. The aim of the present survey was to ascertain the attitudes of Italian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) regarding this point. Method: A questionnaire, with multiple choice answers, regarding the timing of enteral feeding, its progression, the different techniques utilised, the eventual use of fortifiers and the interrupting criteria, was mailed to 92 Italian NICUs. Results: 74 NICUs all over the country participated in the study.1153 ELBWI were hospitalised in 1996 in these Units. Enterai feeding for babies between 501 g and 750 g is started on the 1st day of life in 23.3% of the NI…