Diagnosis Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Research Articles

Regulatory T Cells in Development and Prediction of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Neonates: A Scoping Review.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of mortality in premature infants. However, the pathophysiology and influence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) have not been sufficiently elucidated. We performed a scoping review to investigate current knowledge on the influence of Tregs in NEC, and to investigate the predictive value of Treg number in NEC development. Pubmed, Embase, Prospero and Cochrane Library were searched during December 2020. Primary research articles discussing Tregs and NEC development written in English were selected. Two reviewers screened title and abstract for relevance, after which full-text screening was performed. A total of 20 articles were selected—13 of the articles discussed studies performed in animal models, while 8 used human neonate data. One study discussed both animal and human data. It was shown that after NEC diagnosis or induction, Treg levels were decreased while Th17 levels were increased. No studies were found which investigated the predictive value of Treg number in NEC development. A reduced Treg level is found in animals and neonates with NEC. The question remains whether this effect is a factor on the causal pathway of NEC development or a bystander effect. Future research focusing on the pathophysiological timeline of NEC and the involvement of Tregs is required for better understanding of this disease.

The Metabolome and the Gut Microbiota for the Prediction of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation: A Systematic Review.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most devastating gastrointestinal emergency in preterm neonates. Research on early predictive biomarkers is fundamental. This is a systematic review of studies applying untargeted metabolomics and gut microbiota analysis to evaluate the differences between neonates affected by NEC (Bell’s stage II or III), and/or by spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) versus healthy controls. Five studies applying metabolomics (43 cases, 95 preterm controls) and 20 applying gut microbiota analysis (254 cases, 651 preterm controls, 22 term controls) were selected. Metabolomic studies utilized NMR spectroscopy or mass spectrometry. An early urinary alanine/histidine ratio >4 showed good sensitivity and predictive value for NEC in one study. Samples collected in proximity to NEC diagnosis demonstrated variable pathways potentially related to NEC. In studies applying untargeted gut microbiota analysis, the sequencing of the V3–V4 or V3 to V5 regions of the 16S rRNA was the most used technique. At phylum level, NEC specimens were characterized by increased relative abundance of Proteobacteria compared to controls. At genus level, pre-NEC samples were characterized by a lack or decreased abundance of Bifidobacterium. Finally, at the species level Bacteroides dorei, Clostridium perfringens and perfringens-like strains dominated early NEC specimens, whereas Clostridium butyricum, neonatale and Propionibacterium acnei those at disease diagnosis. Six studies found a lower Shannon diversity index in cases than controls. A clear separation of cases from controls emerged based on UniFrac metrics in five out of seven studies. Importantly, no studies compared NEC versus SIP. Untargeted metabolomics and gut microbiota analysis are interrelated strategies to investigate NEC pathophysiology and identify potential biomarkers. Expression of quantitative measurements, data sharing via biorepositories and validation studies are fundamental to guarantee consistent comparison of results.

Antimicrobial Peptides in Early-Life Host Defense, Perinatal Infections, and Necrotizing Enterocolitis-An Update.

Host defense against early-life infections such as chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) relies primarily on innate immunity, in which antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a major role. AMPs that are important for the fetus and neonate include α and β defensins, cathelicidin LL-37, antiproteases (elafin, SLPI), and hepcidin. They can be produced by the fetus or neonate, the placenta, chorioamniotic membranes, recruited neutrophils, and milk-protein ingestion or proteolysis. They possess antimicrobial, immunomodulating, inflammation-regulating, and tissue-repairing properties. AMPs are expressed as early as the 13th week and increase progressively through gestation. Limited studies are available on AMP expression and levels in the fetus and neonate. Nevertheless, existing evidence supports the role of AMPs in pathogenesis of chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, and NEC, and their association with disease severity. This suggests a potential role of AMPs in diagnosis, prevention, prognosis, and treatment of sepsis and NEC. Herein, we present an overview of the antimicrobial and immunomodulating properties of human AMPs, their sources in the intrauterine environment, fetus, and neonate, and their changes during pre- and post-natal infections and NEC. We also discuss emerging data regarding the potential utility of AMPs in early-life infections, as diagnostic or predictive biomarkers and as therapeutic alternatives or adjuncts to antibiotic therapy considering the increase of antibiotic resistance in neonatal intensive care units.

Describing patterns in serum creatinine in infants with and without necrotizing enterocolitis.

To evaluate serum creatinine (SCr) patterns and the development of acute kidney injury (AKI), as potential biomarkers of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Retrospective chart review of preterm infants with and without NEC born 23-32 weeks gestation admitted to Nationwide Children's Hospital NICU. Medical versus surgical NEC was determined by radiographic and clinical findings. Available inpatient SCr levels obtained on days 8 through 365 were included. In this cohort, 77 NEC and a randomly selected group of 82 non-NEC infants met inclusion criteria. Fifteen of the 70 (21.4%) with NEC met criteria for AKI versus 0 of 43 (0.0%) without NEC. One of the 13 with AKI had AKI within 7 days prior to NEC diagnosis (7.7%). AKI is more prevalent in infants with NEC. The temporal association between AKI and NEC could not be evaluated due to inconsistent SCr surveillance and should be evaluated in future studies.

Expression and Possible Role of Silent Mating Type Information Regulation 2 Homolog 1 in Post-necrotizing Enterocolitis Stricture in vivo and in vitro.

PurposeTo investigate the expression and possible role of Sirtuin1 or Silent mating–type information regulation 2 homolog-1 (SIRT1) in post-necrotizing enterocolitis stricture.Materials and MethodsThe expression characteristics of SIRT1 and TGF-β1 in post-necrotizing enterocolitis stricture were detected by immunohistochemistry. The siRNA-SIRT1 was used to inhibit the expression of SIRT1 in intestinal epithelial cells-6 (IEC-6), and qRT-PCR, WB, and ELISA were utilized to detect the changes of Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), tight junction protein-1 (ZO-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions. The IEC-6 cell proliferation and migration ability were tested via CCK8 kit and Transwell test. The expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin in cells was detected by immunofluorescence.ResultsThe CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ in the serum of Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) intestinal stenosis patients were significantly higher than the reference values. The SIRT1 protein was under-expressed and the TGF-β1 protein was overexpressed in NEC intestinal stenosis tissue. And the expression of SIRT1 was negatively correlated with TGF-β1. At the time of diagnosis of NEC, the expression of SIRT1 decreased in children with respiratory distress syndrome and CRP level increased. After inhibiting the expression of SIRT1 in IEC6 cells, the expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad3, and NF-κB were decreased, and the expression of ZO-1 was also decreased. The proliferation and migration ability of IEC6 cells was decreased significantly, and the expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin proteins in IEC6 cells did not change significantly.ConclusionPromotion of intestinal fibrosis by inflammation may be the mechanism of post-necrotizing enterocolitis stricture. SIRT1 may be a protective protein of NEC. The probable mechanism is that SIRT1 can regulate intestinal fibrosis and can protect the intestinal mucosal barrier function to participate in the process of post-necrotizing enterocolitis stricture.

Fecal amine metabolite analysis before onset of severe necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: a prospective case–control study

Infants developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) have a different metabolomic profile compared to controls. The potential of specific metabolomics, i.e. amino acids and amino alcohols (AAA), as early diagnostic biomarkers for NEC is largely unexplored. In this multicenter prospective case–control study, longitudinally collected fecal samples from preterm infants (born <30 weeks of gestation) from 1–3 days before diagnosis of severe NEC (Bell’s stage IIIA/IIIB), were analyzed by targeted high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Control samples were collected from gestational and postnatal age-matched infants. Thirty-one NEC cases (15 NEC IIIA;16 NEC IIIB) with 1:1 matched controls were included. Preclinical samples of infants with NEC were characterized by five increased essential amino acids—isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine and valine. Lysine and ethanolamine ratios were lower prior to NEC, compared to control samples. A multivariate model was rendered based on isoleucine, lysine, ethanolamine, tryptophan and ornithine, modestly discriminating cases from controls (AUC 0.67; p < 0.001). Targeted HPLC pointed to several specific AAA alterations in samples collected 1–3 days before NEC onset, compared to controls. Whether this reflects metabolic alterations and has a role in early biomarker development for NEC, has yet to be elucidated.

Risk factors of necrotizing enterocolitis-related mortality in preterm neonates: a preliminary prospective study

Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a prematurity-related complication of the gastrointestinal tract that affects 3-15% of preterm infants. Due to its atypical signs and symptoms, NEC is often diagnosed late, leading to mortality and morbidity.&#x0D; Objective To describe the incidence, characteristics, and survival rate of preterm infants with NEC in the Neonatal Unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.&#x0D; Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted on preterm infants born in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in 2019 who had NEC Bell stage 2 or higher. Subjects were recruited consecutively. NEC was classified into either early-onset (&lt;14 days of life) or late-onset (?14 days of life). We identified the risk factors of mortality and survival using multiple Cox regression.&#x0D; Results Within the study period, 55/639 preterm infants born in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital were diagnosed with NEC. Mean gestational age was 31.16 (SD 2.63) weeks and mean birth weight was 1,378.12 (SD 438.26) grams. The median age at NEC diagnosis was 6 (range 0-24) days. The most common symptoms were gastrointestinal bleeding (29.09%) and abdominal distension (29.09%). Plain abdominal radiographs showed dilated bowels in 92.72%, thickened intestinal walls in 83.63%, and pneumatosis intestinalis in 61.81% of subjects. Positive blood cultures were found in 63.63% of subjects, with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumoniae being the predominant organisms. Median survival was 27 days and 31 days for infants born at &lt;32 weeks and ?32 weeks gestational age, respectively (P=0.37). Median survival was 27 and 28 days in infants with early-onset and late-onset NEC, respectively (P=0.07), and 23 and 28 days in infants with birth weight of &lt;1,000 grams and ?1,000 grams, respectively (P=0.14).&#x0D; Conclusion The incidence of NEC among preterm infants born in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in 2019 was 8.6%. The survival rate of infants with NEC was 27.27%. Early-onset and late-onset NEC had similar mortality rates.

Feasibility and acceptability of a diagnostic randomized clinical trial of bowel ultrasound in infants with suspected necrotizing enterocolitis.

We conducted a pilot diagnostic randomized clinical trial (RCT) to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of adding bowel ultrasound (BUS) to the diagnostic evaluation for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Infants ≤ 32 weeks’ gestational age with NEC concern were randomized to undergo abdominal X-ray (AXR) or AXR + BUS. The primary outcome was study feasibility. Secondary outcomes included rates of NEC diagnosis and duration of treatment with bowel rest and antibiotics. A total of 56 infants were enrolled; 16 developed NEC concern and were randomized. Rates of recruitment (56/82 = 68%), retention (16/16 = 100%), and protocol compliance (126/127 = 99%) met pre-specified thresholds for feasibility. No significant differences in rates of NEC diagnosis were found between the two groups. Durations of bowel rest and antibiotic treatment were also similar. Conclusion: Our study supports the feasibility of conducting a definitive diagnostic RCT to establish safety and efficacy of BUS for NEC. Clinical trial registration: The study was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03963011). What is Known:• Bowel ultrasound (BUS) is increasingly being utilized as an adjunct to abdominal radiographs in evaluating for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).• The impact of BUS on patient outcomes is unknown.What is New:• A diagnostic randomized controlled trial study design to determine safety and effectiveness of adding BUS to NEC evaluation is feasible and acceptable.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00431-022-04526-4.

Association of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio with preterm necrotizing enterocolitis: a retrospective case-control study

BackgroundThere have been few studies on the relationship between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We conducted a retrospective case-control study to investigate this relationship in preterm neonates.MethodsA total of 199 preterm neonates diagnosed with NEC between January 2018 and January 2020 were included in this study. For each preterm infant with NEC that was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), controls were preterm neonates (matched for gestation and year of birth) who were not diagnosed with NEC. Exclusion criteria were post-maturity, small or large for gestational age (week of pregnancy), congenital major anomalies, and cyanotic congenital heart disease. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the association between NLR and preterm NEC.ResultsThis study included 93 preterm neonates with NEC and 106 matched controls. There were no significant differences in gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), age, sex, vaginal delivery (VD), chorioamnionitis (CA), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) between the groups. Compared with the control group, the lower and higher NLR levels in the NEC group were statistically different. Following univariate analysis, NLR was a risk factor for NEC (odds ratio [OR], 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.90; P = 0.042), and according to multivariate analysis, risk factors for NEC were NLR ≥ 3.20 and NLR < 1.60, within 1 week before NEC diagnosis. Thus, NLR values of ≥ 1.60 and < 3.20 were determined as the predictive cut-off values for protecting preterm infants from NEC (Model I: OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.10–0.40; P < 0.001) and (Model II: OR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.00–0.40; P < 0.001].ConclusionsNLR ≥ 1.60 and NLR < 3.20 were associated with a decreased risk of NEC in preterm infants.

Application of coagulation parameters at the time of necrotizing enterocolitis diagnosis in surgical intervention and prognosis

PurposeIt has been shown that abnormalities of coagulation and fibrinolysis system are involved in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), but not well studied challenge in the context of early detection of disease progression. The present study mainly explores the predictive significance of coagulation parameters at the time of NEC diagnosis in identifying the patients who eventually received surgery and/or NEC-related deaths.MethodsThe retrospective study of 114 neonates with NEC was conducted with assessments of demographic data, laboratory results at the time of NEC diagnosis, treatment methods and prognosis. According to treatment methods, patients were divided into surgical intervention group and medical treatment group. Predictive factors were put forward and determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. An analysis of the surgical intervention and prognosis was performed.ResultsOf 114 patients, 46 (40.4%) cases received surgical intervention and 14 (12.3%) deaths. prothrombin time (PT), PT international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen and platelet count at the time of NEC diagnosis were independently associated with surgical NEC. The APTT could identify patients at high risk for surgical NEC, with 67.39% sensitivity, 86.76% specificity, better than that of other serological parameters. Coagulopathy was found in 38.6% of all patients. For surgical intervention, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of coagulopathy was 0.869 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.794 ~ 0.944, P < 0.001), with 82.61% sensitivity and 91.18% specificity, outperformed APTT (95% CI: 0.236 ~ 0.173, P = 0.001). Furthermore, the AUC for coagulopathy to predict mortality was 0.809 (95% CI: 0.725 ~ 0.877, P < 0.001), with 92.86% sensitivity and 69.0% specificity.ConclusionCoagulation parameters at the time of NEC diagnosis were conducive to early prediction of surgical NEC and -related deaths, which should be closely monitored in neonates at high risk of NEC and validated as a clinical decision-making tool.

Role of Near-infrared Spectroscopy in the Diagnosis and Assessment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive, bedside diagnostic tool that could assist in the early diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm neonates. NIRS is a safe and effective clinical tool in the neonatal intensive care unit to detect abnormal alterations in tissue perfusion and oxygenation. In addition, NIRS could also detect the complications of NEC, such as bowel necrosis and perforation. NEC is the most common gastrointestinal complication associated with preterm birth and critically ill infants. It is observed in 6-10% of preterm neonates, weighing below 1500 g, leading to considerable morbidity, mortality, and healthcare cost burden. The mortality rate ranges from 20 to 30%, highest in NEC infants undergoing surgery. NIRS is a promising diagnostic modality that could facilitate the early diagnosis of NEC and early detection of complications alone or with the imaging modalities.

Morbidity associated with laparotomy-confirmed spontaneous intestinal perforation: A prospective multicenter analysis

BackgroundDifferences in morbidities between spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are unknown. MethodsProspectively collected multicenter data regarding very low birth weight (VLBW) infants 2015–2019 were analyzed. Diagnosis of SIP or NEC was laparotomy-confirmed in all patients. Multivariable regression modeling was used to assess adjusted length of stay (LOS; primary outcome) and adjusted risk ratios (ARR) for weight <10th percentile at discharge, and supplemental oxygen requirement at discharge. ResultsOf 201,300 VLBW infants at 790 hospitals, 1523 had SIP and 2601 had NEC. Adjusted LOS was similar for SIP and NEC (92 vs 88 days, p = 0.08561), but significantly higher than seen without SIP or NEC (68 days, p<0.0001). The risk of growth morbidity at discharge was similar between SIP and NEC (74.2% vs 75.3%; ARR:1.00;0.94,1.06), but higher than infants without SIP or NEC (47.7%; ARR:0.50;0.47,0.53). Infants with NEC were less likely to require supplemental oxygen at discharge than infants with SIP (24.4% vs 34.9%; ARR:0.80; 0.71,0.89). ConclusionsAlthough mortality is known to be lower in VLBW infants with SIP than NEC, this study highlights the similarly high morbidity experienced by both groups of infants. These benchmark data can help align counseling of families with expected outcomes. Level of evidenceLevel II. Type of StudyPrognosis study (Cohort Study).

Ранняя диагностика некротизирующего энтероколита

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most severe diseases in preterm newborns. Despite numerous studies analyzing NEC, many aspects of its etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment are still poorly understood. NEC diagnosis at early stages remains extremely challenging. It is early diagnosis that ensures timely treatment initiation and reduces mortality. There is a clear need for early diagnostic biomarkers of NEC, since it will improve treatment outcomes and expand our understanding of NEC pathogenesis. This literature review summarizes information on laboratory and instrumental diagnostics of NEC, which can facilitate the identification of new biomarkers. Key words: necrotizing enterocolitis, preterm infants, newborn, diagnosis

Диагностическое значение белка, связывающего жирные кислоты, при некротизирующем энтероколите новорожденных

Objective. To determine the diagnostic value of fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) in premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Patients and methods. A prospective study was conducted that included 38 premature infants. The children were divided into 2 groups. Group I included 18 children with NEC, 20 premature infants were included in control group II. Patients underwent clinical and laboratory examination, radiography of the abdominal cavity and measurement of the level of I-FABP in serum. Results. Serum I-FABP levels were significantly higher in children from the main group at all stages of the study: at birth, at the beginning of enteral feeding and at the time of diagnosis of NEC (p &lt; 0,001). There is a correlation between the I-FABP level and the NEC stage. Conclusion. Sequential measurements of serum I-FABP levels can be a useful marker for early diagnosis and prediction of disease severity in NEC. Key words: necrotizing enterocolitis, early diagnosis, biomarker, premature, newborns

Newborns with Bloody Stools-At the Crossroad between Efficient Management of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Antibiotic Stewardship.

The onset of bloody stools in neonates often results in antibiotic treatment for suspected necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) is an often-neglected differential diagnosis. We performed a retrospective analysis of antibiotic exposure at our tertiary center from 2011 to 2020 that included three time periods of differing antimicrobial stewardship goals. We compared these data with the conventional treatment guidelines (modified Bell’s criteria). In our cohort of 102 neonates with bloody stools, the length of antibiotic exposure was significantly reduced from a median of 4 to 2 days. The proportion of treated neonates decreased from 100% to 55% without an increase in negative outcomes. There were 434 antibiotic days. Following a management strategy according to modified Bell’s criteria would have led to at least 780 antibiotic days. The delayed initiation of antibiotic treatment was observed in 7 of 102 cases (6.9%). No proven NEC case was missed. Mortality was 3.9%. In conclusion, with FPIAP as a differential diagnosis of NEC, an observational management strategy in neonates with bloody stools that present in a good clinical condition seems to be justified. This may lead to a significant reduction of antibiotic exposure. Further prospective, randomized trials are needed to prove the safety of this observational approach.

Abstract 9327: Risk Factors for Adverse Outcomes in Term Infants With Congenital Heart Disease and Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Introduction: Infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), with mortality rates up to 57%. The aim of this study was to investigate pre-NEC factors associated with adverse outcomes in term infants with CHD-NEC. Methods: We performed a 20-year (2000-2020) single-institution retrospective cohort study in term infants (&gt;37 weeks) &lt;6 months of age admitted to the Boston Children’s Hospital Cardiac Intensive Care Unit with CHD-NEC (Bell’s stage &gt; 2). The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality and post-NEC morbidity (extracorporeal life support or surgical NEC). Predictors included baseline admission patient characteristics, cardiac diagnosis and intervention, feeding regimen, and severity of illness, as measured with the pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA) score. Results: We identified 82 patients with CHD-NEC from 3933 admissions (prevalence, 2.1%), including 54 (66%) duct dependent and 55 (67%) with NEC post cardiac surgery. Twenty-seven (33%) met the primary outcome, (in-hospital mortality in 14 (17%) with 9 (64%) attributed to NEC). In univariate analysis, pre-NEC factors significantly associated with the primary outcome included female sex, fetal growth restriction, systolic dysfunction, older age and weight at NEC ( Table ). Feeding regimen (formula, caloric density), genetic conditions, APGARs, race, cardiac lesion, outflow tract z-score or STAT category had no impact on outcome. In multivariable analysis, peri-NEC pSOFA, lower weight and older age at NEC diagnosis remained significantly associated with the primary outcome (Table) . Conclusions: Radiologically-proven NEC occurred in 2% of term infants with CHD, with death and adverse post-NEC outcomes in more than one-third. Lower weight and older age at diagnosis were associated with adverse outcomes informing risk-triage and prognostic counseling for families.

ABDOMINAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY (AUS) AS A MODE OF INVESTIGATION IN THE EARLY EVALUATION OF NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS IN A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.

INTRODUCTION:Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most serious and common gastrointestinal emergency occurring among the neonates. NEC affects 1–5% of all neonates &amp; approximately 7% of preterm infants &lt;1500 grams. The incidence among premature neonates weighing less than 1500 grams is approximately 12% with mortality of 30-35%. NEC is an acute inammatory injury involving the distal small and often proximal large intestine. Segmental coagulative necrosis of the mucosa with focal haemorrhage can be seen histopathologically. The radiological features appear late in the necrotizing enterocolitis. The delay in diagnosis will lead to increased mortality and morbidity. The features of NEC can be detected early in the ultrasonography of the abdomen. AIM: The primary objective as Abdominal Ultrasonography (AUS) being investigation of choice in the early diagnosis of NEC and secondary objective of evaluating the morphological features seen in ultrasound and correlation with clinical, X-ray ndings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective study done from March 2016 to August 2017 at a Tertiary care referral centre. The sample size was calculated as 15, using Snedecor and Cochran formula. All the neonates which fullled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The neonates with congenital anomalies and hemodynamic instability were excluded. The outcome was based on the AUS ndings. Statistical analysis of data done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24.0. RESULTS: The neonates included in the study were from 27 weeks to 38 weeks of gestation and mean age of presentation was 4.80±3.50 days, with the male female ratio 2.7:1. 02 (13%) neonates were of 27 weeks gestation, 01 (6.6%) was of 28 weeks of gestation, 02 (13%) were of 29 weeks of gestation, 02 (13%) were of 30 weeks of gestation, 04 (26%) were of 32 weeks of gestation, 01 (6.6%) was of 33 weeks of gestation and 02 (13%) were of 37 weeks of gestation. The mean birth weight±SD (range) in the study was 1447±601 grams. The neonates presented with features of feed intolerance 15 (100%), abdominal distension 8 (53.3%), lethargy 3 (20%). AUS detected abnormal ndings in 10 neonates, in whom there were no radiological abnormalities. There was statistically signicant association between the altered temperature and ultrasound ndings (p value -0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal ultrasonography is more sensitive to detect NEC at early stage.

Association Between Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Preterm Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Introduction: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a fatal condition for very-low-birth-weight infants. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a multi-factor phenomenon that results in intestinal mucosal damage and leads to intestinal necrosis. However, sensitive laboratory indicators for NEC are lacking, making early diagnosis difficult. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and NEC in preterm neonates to enable an earlier diagnosis of the condition.Methods: This was a retrospective case–control study of preterm neonates diagnosed with NEC between January 2018 and December 2019 in the West China Second University Hospital. Controls were selected from preterm neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) graduates, and they were matched for gestation and year of birth to the preterms diagnosed without NEC. In total, 93 and 107 infants were included in the NEC and control groups, respectively. Empowerstats analysis was used to identify the association between PLR and preterm NEC.Results: The NEC group had significantly higher PLR levels than the control group. PLR > 100 within 1 week before NEC diagnosis was a risk factor for NEC. There was a positive connection between PLR and preterm NEC. A PLR of >100 was determined as the optimal cutoff for predicting preterm NEC, with patients with PLR >100 having a higher risk of NEC [odds ratio (OR): 18.82 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.93–120.98), p = 0.002].Conclusions: A PLR of >100 within 1 week after clinical abnormalities is associated with a high risk of NEC in preterm neonates.

Differential Expression Profiles and Functional Prediction of circRNAs in Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel type of noncoding RNAs, have been demonstrated to behave as microRNA (miRNA) sponges to exert their effects during pathological processes of diseases. However, the roles of circRNAs have not been explored in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This study sought to identify differentially expressed circRNAs and predict their potential biological functions in NEC. circRNA expression profiles in terminal ileum from newborn rats with NEC and normal controls were explored using next-generation sequencing. In the NEC group, 53 circRNAs were significantly differentially expressed, including 9 upregulated and 44 downregulated. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were conducted, and circRNA-miRNA interaction networks were generated to predict the potential roles of circRNAs in NEC progression. Further investigation revealed that most circRNAs include miRNA binding sites and that some are implicated in NEC development. In conclusion, this study's findings demonstrate that differentially expressed circRNAs are involved in NEC development via their interactions with miRNAs, making them prospective targets for NEC diagnosis and treatment.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants Born to Mother with COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide impact on both pregnant women and their babies. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a gastrointestinal emergency in neonates with high morbidity and mortality.&#x0D; Objective: This study aims to investigate the incidence of NEC in preterm infants born to mothers with confirmed COVID-19.&#x0D; Methods: This observational study was conducted in neonatal intensive care unit at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, from May 2020 to April 2021. All preterm infants born to mothers with positive COVID-19 based on swab examination were included as study participants. PCR swab examination was performed within 48 hours after birth. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was defined as positive if the swab test result could detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The diagnosis of NEC was established by clinical symptoms and confirmed by abdominal radiography.&#x0D; Results: Out of 45 preterm infants included in this study, 6 infants experienced NEC. Factors that were significantly associated with the incidence of NEC included asphyxia and intubated mother. Positive PCR results from the infants alone did not significantly increase the risk of NEC. The combination of asphyxia and intubated mother (Odds Ratio [OR]=10.000, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=1.056-94.677, P=0.020) and the combination of positive PCR result, asphyxia, and intubated mother (OR=2.438, 95% CI=1.673-3.551, P=0.007) were found to be significantly associated with the incidence of NEC&#x0D; Conclusion: Significant factors associated with the incidence of NEC in preterm infants born to mothers with COVID-19 included asphyxia and intubated mothers prior to delivery. A positive PCR result alone did not significantly increase the risk of NEC.