Milk temperature reducing necrotizing enterocolitis in very preterm infants: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common and serious gastrointestinal condition among preterm infants. Factors such as infection, inflammation, and improper feeding are believed to contribute to its onset, but its precise pathophysiology remains unclear. Cold exposure, including feeding at low temperatures, has been associated with increased risks of NEC, yet the direct relationship between feeding temperature and NEC development remains underexplored. This study aims to assess the impact of thermostatic versus standard feeding on the incidence of stage 2 or higher NEC in very preterm infants.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial involves preterm infants (< 32 weeks gestational age) admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Participants are randomly assig

SUBMITTER: Liu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12502513 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature