ORAL GLUTAMINE IN THE PREVENTION OF NEONATAL NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS AND OTHER GASTROINTESTINAL MUCOSAL DAMAGE

摘要

A method of preventing necrotizing tissue injury in gastro-intestinal tract comprising orally administering glutamine is described. Glutamine protects tissues along the gastro-intestinal tract by blocking translocation of bacterial agents (such as gram (-) bacteria), other infectious agents, toxins, chemicals, and injurious substances. The intraluminal/apical presence of the glutamine optimizes mucosal defense and increases nutrient absorption. Glutamine may be administered to pre-term or full-term infants, children and adults. Enteral glutamine is useful in treating neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis for reducing inflammation caused by bacterial translocation and injury. Oral glutamine is also useful in treating gastro-intestinal dysfunctions. When glutamine is orally administered it coats gastro-intestinal mucosa thereby treating infectious and/or inflammatory conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract. It is useful in treating pathologic conditions with lowered transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) by acting as a curative agent. Glutamine may be provided in any form such as powder, capsules, acid-resistant slow-release microcapsules, in a reconstituted liquid or the like. Glutamine may also be orally administered in a mixture. Other drugs for treatment may also be administered with the glutamine. Glutamine is administrable via naso-gastric tube, especially for preterm infants.