Association of inhibitors of gastric acid secretion and higher incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm very low-birth-weight infants.

Inhibitors of gastric acid (IGA) are used for upper gastrointestinal bleeding or gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants. The resultant increase in gastric pH may enhance the growth of pathogens and increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Our systematic review examined the association between IGA and NEC in preterm infants.