Diagnosis Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Research Articles

Necrotizing Enterocolitis associated Acute Kidney Injury - transforming the paradigm.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most common conditions requiring emergency surgery in the neonatal intensive care unit and is associated with a septic shock-like state contributing to multi-organ dysfunction. NEC affects 6-10% of very-low birth-weight infants and remains a leading cause of death. The occurrence of severe AKI following surgical NEC is a harbinger of multiple morbidities. This review presents current evidence about the clinical impact of NEC associated AKI on the clinical outcomes. Studies evaluating nephro-protective strategies to prevent AKI and its consequences are greatly needed to improve the post-operative recovery and clinical outcomes in neonates with NEC. Future observational studies and clinical trials in preterm-born infants with NEC prioritize measuring short-term (AKI) and longer term (chronic kidney disease) kidney outcomes. Impact: 1. Severe AKI (stage 2 and 3) occurs in 32.6% of neonates after NEC diagnosis and in 58.7% following surgical NEC diagnosis. 2. NEC associated AKI is associated with severe postoperative course, moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, surgical complications, brain injury and longer hospital stay in preterm infants. 3. Severity of NEC associated AKI can be utilized by bedside providers for the prognostication of clinical outcomes in preterm infants.

Core Outcome Set for Necrotizing Enterocolitis Treatment Trials.

Variability in outcome reporting in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) treatment trials hinders conducting meta-analyses and implementing novel treatments. We aimed to develop a core outcome set (COS) for NEC treatment trials including outcome measures most relevant to patients and physicians, from NEC diagnosis to adulthood. Clinicians and/or researchers from low-middle- and high-income countries were approached based on their scientific contributions to NEC literature, and patients and parents through local organizations. We presented participants with 45 outcomes used in NEC research, identified through a systematic review. To achieve consensus, outcomes were rated on a scale of 1 to 9 in 3 online Delphi rounds, and discussed at a final consensus meeting. Seventy-one participants from 25 countries completed all Delphi rounds, including 15 patients and family representatives. Thirteen outcomes reached consensus in one of the stakeholder groups and were included in the consensus meeting, 6 outcomes reached consensus in both groups. Twenty-seven participants from both high- and low-middle-income countries attended the online consensus meeting, including family representatives and NEC patients. After discussion and a final vote, 5 outcomes reached consensus to be included: mortality, NEC-related mortality, short bowel syndrome, quality of life, and neurodevelopmental impairment. This NEC COS includes 5 predominantly long-term outcomes agreed upon by clinicians, patients, and family representatives. Use of this international COS will help standardize outcome selection in clinical trials, ensure these are relevant to those most affected by NEC care, and, ultimately, improve the care of infants with NEC.

Umbilical Catheter Extravasation Mimicking Necrotizing Enterocolitis in a Preterm Neonate: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Managing acute abdomen in very low birth weight (VLBW) and premature infants presents a diagnostic challenge, often necessitating a thorough assessment to discern underlying causes. Umbilical venous catheters (UVCs), commonly used in neonatal intensive care, are essential but not without risks. A 29-week premature male infant, born to a 23-year-old mother, was referred to our clinic on the 16th day of life with a suspected diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The infant had spent the first day intubated and received non-invasive respiratory support for 15 days. A 5 French UVC was inserted at the 2nd hour of life, and by the 3rd day of life, the infant transitioned to minimal enteral feeding. Between the 12th and 16th days of life, the infant initially diagnosed with NEC due to symptoms such as decreased stool passage and abdominal distension. The patient had been on a continuous course of antibiotic treatment throughout the entirety of his life, commencing on the very first day due to suspected early neonatal sepsis, followed by nosocomial sepsis during the hospitalization, and persisting with antibiotic therapy for suspected NEC. The case took a unique turn upon further evaluation after being referred to our unit. Despite a preliminary NEC diagnosis, further evaluation revealed umbilical catheter complications, leading to total parenteral nutrition extravasation. Removal of the catheter, drainage, and antibiotic adjustment resulted in improved clinical outcomes. In neonatal care, cautious management is vital when dealing with infants exhibiting abdominal symptoms. A nuanced approach, including differential diagnosis and careful antibiotic use, is essential.

Receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3): a new biomarker for necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the role of receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3) in the diagnosis, estimation of disease severity, and prognosis of premature infants with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).MethodsRIPK3, lactic acid (LA), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in the peripheral blood of 108 premature infants between 2019 and 2023, including 24 with stage II NEC, 18 with stage III NEC and 66 controls. Diagnostic values of the indicators for NEC were evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsPlasma RIPK3 and LA levels upon NEC suspicion in neonates with stage III NEC were 32.37 ± 16.20 ng/mL. The ROC curve for the combination of RIPK3, LA, CRP for NEC diagnosis were 0.925. The time to full enteral feeding (FEFt) after recovery from NEC was different between two expression groups of plasma RIPK3 (RIPK3 < 20.06 ng/mL and RIPK3 ≥ 20.06 ng/mL).ConclusionPlasma RIPK3 can be used as a promising marker for the diagnosis and estimation of disease severity of premature infants with NEC and for the guidance on proper feeding strategies after recovery from NEC.

The Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Late-Onset Sepsis during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Introduction: The effect of the pandemic restrictions in the NICUs is not well studied. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by intestinal inflammation and bacterial invasion. This study aimed to investigate whether the incidence of NEC has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden and whether it was associated with a change in the frequency of extremely preterm births. Methods: Data were retrieved from the Swedish Neonatal Quality Register (SNQ) for infants registered between January 2017 and December 2021 born below a gestational age of 35 weeks. The registry completeness is 98–99%. The diagnosis of NEC was the primary outcome. Generalized linear model analysis was used to calculate the risk ratio for NEC. Results: Totally 13,239 infants were included. 235 (1.8%) infants developed NEC, out of which 91 required surgical treatment. 8,967 infants were born before COVID-19 pandemic and 4,272 during. Median gestational age at birth was 32.8 weeks in both periods. The incidence of NEC was significantly lower during COVID-19 pandemic compared to the prior period (1.43 vs. 1.94%, p 0.037), but not the incidence of surgical NEC. The crude risk ratio of developing NEC during COVID-19 pandemic was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.55–0.98). The incidence of late-onset sepsis with positive culture was also declined during COVID-19 (3.21 vs. 4.15%, p value 0.008). Conclusion: While we found significant reduction in the incidence of NEC and culture-positive late-onset sepsis during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of extremely preterm births was unchanged.

Do hematological biomarkers predict surgical necrotizing enterocolitis?

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating gastrointestinal emergency in preterm infants and the clinical presentation of NEC may vary with gestational age. We lack reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis of NEC limiting timely intervention. Hematological changes in NEC are actively researched for their potential role as biomarkers. The pattern and severity of hematological abnormalities have been correlated with rapid progression, the need for surgery, increased risk of mortality, and morbidity. In this issue of Pediatric Research, Chong et al. report GA-specific hematological biomarkers in preterm infants with NEC that could predict the need for surgery. Thrombocytopenia at NEC onset was an independent predictor of surgical intervention in extremely preterm infants. Persistent thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia at 72 h and elevated C-reactive protein at 48 h after NEC onset, predicted surgery in infants of 28 to <32 weeks GA. Persistent thrombocytopenia at 24 h after the onset of NEC was predictive of mortality in infants who underwent surgery. Well-designed, prospective, multi-center studies are needed to confirm the role of hematological biomarkers in early diagnosis and prognostication in NEC.

Inflammatory biomarkers and physiomarkers of late-onset sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.

Early diagnosis of late-onset sepsis (LOS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birth weight (VLBW, <1,500 g) infants is challenging due to non-specific clinical signs. Inflammatory biomarkers increase in response to infection, but non-infectious conditions also cause inflammation. Cardiorespiratory data contain physiological biomarkers, or physiomarkers, of sepsis that may be useful in combination with inflammatory hematologic biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis. To determine whether inflammatory biomarkers measured at the time of LOS or NEC diagnosis differ from times without infection and whether biomarkers correlate with cardiorespiratory sepsis physiomarkers in VLBW infants. Remnant plasma sample collection from VLBW infants occurred with blood draws for routine laboratory testing and suspected sepsis. We analyzed 11 inflammatory biomarkers and a pulse oximetry sepsis warning score (POWS). We compared biomarker levels obtained at the time of gram-negative (GN) bacteremia or NEC, gram-positive (GP) bacteremia, negative blood cultures, and no suspected infection. We analyzed 188 samples in 54 VLBW infants. Several biomarkers were increased at the time of GN LOS or NEC diagnosis compared with all other samples. POWS was higher in patients with LOS and correlated with five biomarkers. IL-6 had 78% specificity at 100% sensitivity to detect GN LOS or NEC and added information to POWS. Inflammatory plasma biomarkers discriminate sepsis due to GN bacteremia or NEC and correlate with cardiorespiratory physiomarkers.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in Newborns: A Systematic Literature Review

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition in newborns involving inflammation and intestinal necrosis. A number of risk factors have been identified, which complexly interact and contribute to the development of this condition. An in-depth understanding of these risk factors has major implications for the prevention, diagnosis and management of NEC in newborns. Babies born prematurely, especially before 32 weeks' gestation, have a higher risk of developing NEC. Low birth weight, regardless of prematurity status, remains a significant independent risk factor. Imbalances in blood circulation, especially in the intestines, can increase the risk of NEC. Hypotension and other medical conditions that affect blood flow to the intestines can be potential triggers. Infection and inflammation, both systemic and local, play a central role in the development of NEC. Bacterial contamination in the digestive tract can trigger an inflammatory response that contributes to the pathophysiological process of NEC. Formula feeding, especially in premature infants, is associated with an increased risk of NEC. The importance of providing exclusive breastfeeding and introducing foods slowly to protect the newborn's intestinal health. Excessive use of antibiotics or without clear indications can change the balance of intestinal microflora and increase the risk of NEC. The importance of judicious selection and use of antibiotics to minimize negative impacts on gut health.

Effect of human milk-based fortification in extremely preterm infants fed exclusively with breast milk: a randomised controlled trial

Mortality and severe morbidity remain high in extremely preterm infants. Human milk-based nutrient fortifiers may prevent serious complications and death. We aimed to investigate whether supplementation with human milk-based fortifier (HMBF), as compared to bovine milk-based fortifier (BMBF), reduced the incidence of the composite outcome of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and mortality in extremely preterm infants exclusively fed human milk. In this multicentre, randomised controlled trial at 24 neonatal units in Sweden, extremely preterm infants born between gestational week 22+0 and 27+6 fed exclusively human breast milk (mother's own and/or donor milk), were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive targeted fortification with either HMBF or BMBF. Randomisation was conducted before the enteral feeds reached 100mL/kg/day, and was stratified by enrolment site, gestational age, singleton/twin, and sex. The allocation was concealed before inclusion, but after randomisation the study was not blinded for the clinical staff. For the NEC diagnosis, the study group was masked to an independent radiologist, and the final assessment of NEC and culture-proven sepsis was done by a blinded consensus panel review. The primary outcome was the composite of NEC stage II-III, culture-proven sepsis, and mortality from inclusion to discharge, no longer than postmenstrual week 44+0, in the intention-to-treat population (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03797157). Between February 21st, 2019, and May 21st, 2021, 229 neonates were randomly assigned (115 HMBF, 114 BMBF). After exclusion of one infant due to parents' withdrawal of consent, 228 infants were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Of the 115 infants assigned to HMBF, 41 (35.7%) fulfilled the criteria of either NEC, sepsis, or death, compared with 39 (34.5%) of 113 infants assigned to BMBF (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.61-1.81, p=0.86). Adverse events did not differ significantly between groups. Supplementation with HMBF, as compared with BMBF, did not reduce the incidence of the composite outcome of NEC, sepsis, or death. Our results do not support routine supplementation with HMBF as a nutritional strategy to prevent NEC, sepsis, or death in extremely preterm infants exclusively fed human milk. ALF grant, Prolacta Bioscience, Swedish Research Council, and Research Council for Southeast Sweden.

Hyponatremia as a Marker for Predicting Surgical Intervention in Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

IntroductionTo investigate the predictive value of plasma sodium at the onset of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) diagnosis in distinguishing surgical NEC from medical NEC. MethodsA retrospective review of all NEC neonates treated at our hospital between 2008 and 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on treatment methods: surgical intervention and medical treatment. Patient demographics, laboratory parameters, and outcomes were all documented. The values of laboratory parameters were collected at the onset of NEC and after treatment. To identify potential predictors of surgical NEC, multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to determine predictive factors. ResultsSurgical treatment was performed in 111 infants (44.6%), and medical treatment in 138 cases (55.4%). Of 249 infants with NEC, 22 patients exhibited Bell stage I, 91 infants had Bell stage II, and 136 patients displayed Bell stage III. We discovered that white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and sodium were independent predictors of NEC receiving surgery based on the results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Hyponatremia was found in 122 of the 249 patients (49%). At the onset of NEC diagnosis, hyponatremia was found in 83.8% of surgical intervention group and in 21.0% of medical treatment group (P < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for WBC, CRP, fibrinogen, and sodium were calculated. The cutoff values were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The area under the curve of hyponatremia for surgical intervention was 0.875, with 84% sensitivity, 80% specificity, 77% positive predictive value, and 86% negative predictive value, which had a greater specificity (0.80) for predicting surgical intervention than WBC (0.67), CRP (0.50), and fibrinogen (0.70). ConclusionsWhen a surgical evaluation is necessary, hyponatremia can effectively distinguish surgical NEC from medical NEC. It could be used as a predictive marker to guide parental counseling for surgical intervention and rapid transfer of patients to tertiary centers when they have a surgical condition.

Novel scoring system for early diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis: integrating clinical and laboratory data with urinary caveolin-1 levels.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) poses a significant threat to preterm infants, with nonspecific early manifestations complicating timely diagnosis. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a novel scoring system for early diagnosis of NEC, incorporating clinical and laboratory data with urinary caveolin-1 levels. A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in East Java, Indonesia. NEC diagnosis was established by Bell's criteria and proven gut dysbiosis. Urinary levels of claudin-2, caveolin-1, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were assessed as potential indicators of tight junction disruption. The selected urine biomarker cutoff value was determined using symbolic classification analysis and combined with clinical and laboratory parameters from Bell's criteria to create an NEC scoring system, validated with the Aiken index. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed. Thirty-four neonates, comprising NEC, preterm non-NEC, and term infants, were included. qPCR analysis highlighted elevated Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, and Bacteroides levels in NEC patients, indicating a gut dysbiosis trend. Among 3 biomarkers, caveolin-1 ≥ 17.81 ng/dl on day 3 demonstrated 72.86% negative predictive value and 87.50% positive predictive value. The combined scoring system which comprised abdominal cellulitis, distension, radiology, advanced resuscitation at birth, prematurity or low birthweight, platelet count, sepsis, orogastric retention, metabolic acidosis and caveolin-1 findings exhibited an AUC of 0.922 (95% CI: 0.81-1.00, p < 0.001), with ≥ 1.81 as the cutoff, offering 93% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Urine caveolin-1 on day 3 signifies enterocyte tight junction damage and the acute phase of NEC in premature infants. The proposed scoring system demonstrates good performance in predicting NEC incidence in preterm infants.

A Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract of premature neonates. The diagnosis and treatment of NEC remain challenging. New biomarkers and potential treatments for NEC have emerged in recent years, leading to the potential of earlier therapeutic intervention and improved outcomes. This paper aims to provide a review of the most recent diagnostic indicators and therapeutics of NEC along with a brief overview of future directions of research into this disease.

Ventriculoatrial and ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction and infection in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus are both conditions that can affect preterm infants. The peritoneum is the preferred terminus for shunt placement, but another terminus is sometimes used due to subjective concerns about infection and complications related to NEC. The aim of this study was to examine the rates of ventriculoatrial (VA) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infection and failure in pediatric patients with a history of NEC. A single-center retrospective review of medical records from 2009 to 2021 was performed to identify pediatric patients with NEC who underwent shunt placement before 2 years of age. Patients were excluded if shunt placement preceded NEC diagnosis. Patient demographic characteristics, timing of shunt placement, type of shunt, shunt infections or revisions, and timing and management of NEC were extracted. The Student t-test and Fisher exact test were used to calculate significance. Kaplan-Meier curves were calculated. Twenty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Most patients underwent VP shunt placement (16 [71.4%]). Patients who underwent surgical management of NEC compared with those who underwent medical management were more likely to have a VA shunt placed (p = 0.02). One VA shunt and 3 VP shunts became infected during follow-up (p = 0.7). The mean time until infection was not significantly different between VA and VP shunts (p = 0.73). Significantly more VA shunts required revision (83% vs 31%, p = 0.04), and VA shunts had a significantly shorter time until failure (3.0 ± 0.8 vs 46.3 ± 7.55 months, p = 0.03). VP shunts had a significantly longer time until failure than VA shunts; these shunts had similar infection rates in infants with prior NEC. When feasible, neurosurgeons and pediatric general surgeons can consider placing a VP shunt even if the patient has a history of NEC.

Recent advances in our understanding of NEC diagnosis, prognosis and surgical approach.

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) remains a devasting condition that has seen limited improvement in outcomes in recent years. The incidence of the disease is increasing as more extremely premature infants survive. NEC is responsible for 1 in 10 neonatal deaths and up to 61% of survivors have significant neurodevelopmental delay. The aim of this review is to highlight recent advances in diagnosis, prognosis and surgical approach in this condition. Many recent studies have reported novel methods of diagnosis of NEC with the aim of earlier and more accurate identification. These include imaging and machine learning techniques. Prognostication of NEC is particularly important to allow earlier escalation of therapy. Around 25% of infants with NEC will require surgery and recent data has shown that time from disease onset to surgery is greater in infants whose indication for surgery is failed medical management, rather than pneumoperitoneum. This indication was also associated with worse outcomes compared to pneumoperitoneum. Ongoing research has highlighted several new methods of disease prognostication which includes differentiating surgical from medical NEC. Finally, recent randomised controlled trials in surgical technique are discussed along with the implications of these for practice. Further, high quality research utilising multi-centre collaborations and high fidelity data from electronic patient records is needed to address the issues discussed and ultimately improve outcomes in NEC.

Recent research on machine learning in the diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), with the main manifestations of bloody stool, abdominal distension, and vomiting, is one of the leading causes of death in neonates, and early identification and diagnosis are crucial for the prognosis of NEC. The emergence and development of machine learning has provided the potential for early, rapid, and accurate identification of this disease. This article summarizes the algorithms of machine learning recently used in NEC, analyzes the high-risk predictive factors revealed by these algorithms, evaluates the ability and characteristics of machine learning in the etiology, definition, and diagnosis of NEC, and discusses the challenges and prospects for the future application of machine learning in NEC.

Time to first passage of meconium and defecation frequency preceding necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: a case–control study

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Early recognition and treatment of NEC are critical to improving outcomes. Enteric nervous system (ENS) immaturity has been proposed as a key factor in NEC pathophysiology. Gastrointestinal dysmotility is associated with ENS immaturity and may serve as a predictive factor for the development of NEC. In this case–control study, preterm infants (gestational age (GA) < 30 weeks) were included in two level-IV neonatal intensive care units. Infants with NEC in the first month of life were 1:3 matched to controls based on GA (± 3 days). Odds ratios for NEC development were analyzed by logistic regression for time to first passage of meconium (TFPM), duration of meconial stool, and mean daily defecation frequency over the 72 h preceding clinical NEC onset (DF < T0). A total of 39 NEC cases and 117 matched controls (median GA 27 + 4 weeks) were included. Median TFPM was comparable in cases and controls (36 h [IQR 13–65] vs. 30 h [IQR 9–66], p = 0.83). In 21% of both cases and controls, TFPM was ≥ 72 h (p = 0.87). Duration of meconial stool and DF < T0 were comparable in the NEC and control group (median 4 and 3, resp. in both groups). Odds of NEC were not significantly associated with TFPM, duration of meconial stools, and DF < T0 (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.00 [0.99–1.03], 1.16 [0.86–1.55] and 0.97 [0.72–1.31], resp.).Conclusion: In this cohort, no association was found between TFPM, duration of meconium stool, and DF < T0 and the development of NEC.What is Known:• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening acute intestinal inflammatory disease of the young preterm infant. Early clinical risk factors for NEC have been investigated in order to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.• Signs of disrupted gastrointestinal mobility, such as gastric retention and paralytic ileus, have been established to support the diagnosis of NEC. Nevertheless, defecation patterns have insufficiently been studied in relation to the disease.What is New:• Defecation patterns in the three days preceding NEC did not differ from gestational age-matched controls of corresponding postnatal age. Additionally, the first passage of meconium and the duration of meconium passage were comparable between cases and controls. Currently, defecation patterns are not useful as early warning signs for NEC. It remains to be elucidated whether these parameters are different based on the location of intestinal necrosis.

Reduction in regulatory T cells in preterm newborns is associated with necrotizing enterocolitis

BackgroundDespite multifactorial pathogenesis, dysregulation of inflammatory immune response may play a crucial role in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are involved in immune tolerance early in life. We aimed to investigate the predicting role of Tregs in developing NEC in neonates at high risk.MethodsWe studied six newborns with a diagnosis of NEC (cases) in comparison with 52 controls (without NEC). We further classified controls as neonates with feeding intolerance (FI) and neonates without it (FeedTol). The rate of female and male neonates (sex defined as a biological attribute) was similar. We analyzed the blood frequency of Tregs (not overall numbers) at three time points: 0–3 (T0), 7–10 (T1), and 27–30 (T2) days after birth by flow cytometry. Neonates’ sex was defined based on the inspection of external genitalia at birth.ResultsWe observed, at T0, a significantly lower frequency of Tregs in NEC cases (p < 0.001) compared with both FI (p < 0.01) and FeedTol controls (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis reported that the occurrence of NEC was independently influenced by Treg frequency at birth (ß 2.98; p = 0.039).ConclusionTregs frequency and features in the peripheral blood of preterm neonates, early in life, may contribute to identifying neonates at high risk of developing NEC.ImpactRegulatory T cells may play a pivotal role in regulating the immune response in early life. Reduction of Tregs in early life could predispose preterm newborns to necrotizing enterocolitis.Early markers of necrotizing enterocolitis are still lacking. We demonstrated a predicting role of assessment of regulatory T cells in the diagnosis of this gastrointestinal emergency.Early identification of newborns at high risk of necrotizing enterocolitis through measurement of regulatory T cells may guide clinicians in the management of preterm newborns in order to reduce the development of this severe condition.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of Doppler ultrasonography of the superior mesenteric artery in detecting neonates at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.

The role of postnatal Doppler measurements of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in detecting neonates at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains uncertain; therefore, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the existing evidence regarding the usefulness of SMA Doppler measurements in detecting neonates at risk for NEC. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and we included studies which reported the following Doppler ultrasonography indices: peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, time average mean velocity, differential velocity, pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index. Eight studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Evidence suggested that, during the first postnatal day, neonates who developed NEC had a significantly higher peak systolic velocity (mean difference of 2.65cm/s (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23, 4.06, overall effect Z=3.66, P<0.001)), higher PI (mean difference of 1.52 (95% CI 0.00, 3.04, Z=1.96, P=0.05)) and higher resistive index (mean difference of 1.09 (95% CI 0.59, 1.60, Z=4.24, P<0.001)), compared to neonates who did not develop NEC. However, our findings do not support a strong association between the Doppler ultrasound indices and development of NEC at the time of disease onset. This meta-analysis suggests that first postnatal day SMA Doppler parameters, namely peak systolic velocity, PI and resistive index, are higher in neonates who develop NEC. On the other hand, the aforementioned indices are of uncertain significance once the diagnosis of NEC has been established.

Blood Glucose, Lactate and Platelet Count in Infants with Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation versus Necrotizing Enterocolitis-A Pilot Study.

The incidence of spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) increases up to 10% with decreasing gestational age (GA). We aimed to explore early biomarkers for predicting SIP in preterm infants. In this case-control study, neonates born at ≤34 weeks GA diagnosed with SIP were compared with GA and/or birth-weight-matched neonates diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Laboratory markers assessed prior and adjacent to the day of SIP or NEC diagnosis were evaluated. The cohort included 16 SIP and 16 matched NEC infants. Hyperlactatemia was less frequent in SIP than in NEC infants (12% vs. 50%, p = 0.02). The platelets count was lower in SIP than in NEC infants (p < 0.001). Glucose levels strongly correlated with lactate levels (p = 0.01) only in the NEC group. The odds of being diagnosed with SIP decreased as lactate levels increased (OR = 0.607, 95% CI: 0.377-0.978, p = 0.04). Our results suggest that a combination of laboratory markers, namely glucose and lactate, could help differentiate SIP from NEC at early stages so that, in the presence of an elevated blood glucose, an increase in blood lactate was associated with a decrease in the odds of being diagnosed with SIP.

Application of abdominal ultrasonography in surgical necrotizing enterocolitis: a retrospective study.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe inflammatory bowel disease that may lead to perforation, causing high morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Abdominal ultrasound (AUS) has been shown to provide benefits in diagnosing and managing NEC in recent years. This study focused on the utility of AUS in the diagnosis and evaluation of surgical NEC. In this retrospective study, available data of the patients diagnosed from January 2019 to June 2022 were reviewed. The sensitivity and specificity of AUS in diagnosing a perforation were analyzed. Typical cases for the application of AUS in monitoring and evaluating the progression, complications, and sequela of NEC were described. There were 69 neonates diagnosed with NEC and examined by AUS, of whom eight patients developed a perforation. AUS was used for diagnosing a perforation in eight patients with key features of pneumoperitoneum and/or complex ascites, allowing us to find four locations of perforation, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. AUS plays an important role in diagnosing and evaluating surgical NEC in newborn infants, with good sensitivity and specificity.