HIDRATACIÓN Y ALIMENTACIÓN EN LOS RECIÉN NACIDOS: ADECUACIÓN DEL ESFUERZO

Artificial hydration and nutrition are key elements in the treatment in Neonatal Units, especially in premature babies. It has led to improved survival and better clinical outcomes. Artificial nutrition is considered a medical treatment and, in such a way, a balance between burdens and benefits should be taken into consideration. Nevertheless decisions on withholding or withdrawing artificial nutrition and hydration have special and emotional considerations. In premature babies it is also necessary to consider than below the 34 th week of gestational age, effective suckling is not present, and so, oral nutrition is not a possibility. Decisions regarding the end-of-life care of neonates should be made taking Palabras clave: recien nacido, nutricion, hidratacion, limitacion esfuerzo terapeutico, calidad de vida