The use of surfactant replacement, ‘kinder gentler’ modes of ventilation combined with prenatal corticosteroids have all played a role in improved survival rates of very-low-birth-weight infants but have not reduced the prevalence of chronic lung disease. The increased rates of prematurity being observed in the United States along with the increased survival makes the overall problem of treatment of infants with established disease expensive spanning neonatology, pediatric critical care and general pediatrics and involving a myriad of specialists over the life of the surviving infant. However, none of the therapies used over the years have proven to be effective or have long-term adverse effects, nor have they been accepted as methods to prevent chronic lung disease. Although intuitively an appropriate nutritional therapy may be a useful adjunct in the care of the premature sick infant, perinatal malnutrition remains a major problem. The role of nutrition therapy in health and disease as it pertains to the lung will be reviewed.

Keywords:
Nutrition and the lung, Malnutrition, Nutrients and lung disease, Lung injury, growth failure, Nutritional support, principles
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
2009
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.