Archives of disease in childhood. Fetal and neonatal edition
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Arch. Dis. Child. Fetal Neonatal Ed. · Jan 2003
Intestinal permeability in relation to birth weight and gestational and postnatal age.
To determine the relation between intestinal permeability and birth weight, gestational age, postnatal age, and perinatal risk factors in neonates. ⋯ In preterm infants (26-36 weeks gestation), intestinal permeability is not related to gestational age or birth weight but is higher during the first 2 days of life than three to six days later. It is higher in preterm infants than in healthy term infants only if measured within two days of birth. This suggests rapid postnatal adaptation of the small intestine in preterm infants.