The Artificial Placenta: Feeding the Immature Infant
摘要
Over the past decade, neonatal care has made significant strides with the development of the artificial placenta (AP) and artificial womb (AW), particularly for extremely premature infants. These technologies aim to create an environment that mimics intrauterine conditions, offering better developmental support than conventional treatments. Traditional therapies, such as mechanical ventilation, carry risks of lung damage and infection for these fragile newborns, categorized as extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs). The artificial placenta concept, originally introduced in the 1960s, provides a way to sustain premature infants by mimicking the natural placental function of delivering oxygen and nutrients. Recent advancements in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) technology, particularly through closed systems like biobags, have reduced infection risks and improved fetal survival in experimental models. Nutrient delivery, essential for fetal growth in these systems, is finely tuned with a controlled intravenous solution containing glucose, amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This balance supports fetal development similarly to a natural pregnancy. As research progresses, the hope is to integrate these technologies into clinical practice, revolutionizing care for extremely premature infants and providing new hope for their families.