[Comparative analysis of enteral feeding practices for prevention of gastrointestinal complications in infants with ductus-dependent congenital heart diseases].

Mesenterial hypoperfusion is one of the main pathogenetic factors of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants with ductus-dependent congenital heart diseases. NEC in infants undergoing congenital heart surgery increases mortality and length of hospital stay. NEC is also associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Optimization of enteral feeding can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal complications. NEC risk factors in infants with congenital heart are of special interest in the literature. This article discusses criteria for enteral feeding initiation and increasing preoperatively and after heart surgery. Enteral feeding protocols of leading cardiac surgical centers are reviewed. Practices to provide high energy and nutrient consumption in infants with congenital heart disease are described.