Outcome Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Research Articles

The Impact of Maternal Antibiotics on Neonatal Disease

We examined the impact of prenatal exposure to maternal antibiotics on risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), late onset sepsis (LOS), and death in infants born preterm. Secondary data analysis was conducted via an extant cohort of 580 infants born <32 weeks of gestation and enrolled in 3 level III neonatal intensive care units. Prenatal antibiotic exposure was defined as antibiotics received by the mother within 72 hours before delivery. Postnatal empiric antibiotic exposure was defined as antibiotic initiated within the first day of life without documented infection, categorized as low (<5 days) or high (>5 days) duration. Two-thirds of mothers received antibiotics within 72 hours before delivery, of whom 59.8% received >1 antibiotic. Ampicillin (37.6%) and azithromycin (26.4%) were the most common antibiotics given. NEC occurred in 7.5%, LOS in 11.1%, death in 9.6%, and the combined outcome of NEC, LOS, or death in 21.3% of study infants. In multiple logistic regression models adjusted for gestational age, postnatal empiric antibiotic exposure, and other factors, prenatal antibiotic exposure was associated with reduced risk of NEC (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.14-0.56; P < .001), death (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.14-0.60; P = .001), but not LOS (OR 1.59; 95% CI 0.84-2.99; P = .15), although protection was significant for the combined outcome (OR 0.52, P < .001). High postnatal empiric antibiotic exposure was associated with greater risk of death but not other outcomes in multiple regression models (OR 3.18, P = .002). Prenatal antibiotic exposure was associated with lower rates of NEC or death of infants born preterm, and its impact on infant outcomes warrants further study.

Early progressive feeding in extremely preterm infants: a randomized trial

Due to insufficient evidence, extremely preterm infants (≤28 wk of gestation) rarely receive early progressive feeding (small increments of feeding volumes between 1 and 4 d after birth). We hypothesized that early progressive feeding increases the number of full enteral feeding days in the first month after birth. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of early progressive feeding in extremely preterm infants. In this single-center randomized trial, extremely preterm infants born between September 2016 and June 2017 were randomly assigned to receive either early progressive feeding without trophic feeding (early feeding group) or delayed progressive feeding after a 4-d course of trophic feeding (delayed feeding group). Treatment allocation occurred before or on feeding day 1. The primary outcome was the number of full enteral feeding days in the first month after birth. Secondary outcomes were death, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), culture-proven sepsis, growth percentiles at 36 wk postmenstrual age, use of parenteral nutrition, and need for central venous access. Sixty infants were included (median gestational age: 26 wk; mean ± SD birth weight: 832±253 g). The primary outcome differed between groups (median difference favoring the early feeding group: +2 d; 95% CI: 0, 3 d; P=0.02). Early progressive feeding reduced the use of parenteral nutrition (4 compared with 8 d; P≤0.01) and the need for central venous access (9 compared with 13 d; P≤0.01). The outcome of culture-proven sepsis (10% compared with 27%; P=0.18), restricted growth (weight, length, and head circumference <10th percentile) at 36 wk postmenstrual age (25% compared with 50%; P=0.07), and the composite outcome of NEC or death (27% compared with 20%; P=0.74) did not differ between groups. Early progressive feeding increases the number of full enteral feeding days in extremely preterm infants. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02915549.

Brain natriuretic peptide as a marker of digestive evolution in the premature newborn

Background and objective: hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HS-PDA) is associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and worse enteral tolerance in preterm newborns (PN). An association has been demonstrated between brain natriuretic propeptide (proBNP) and HS-PDA. Our objective was to analyze the relationship between proBNP levels and enteral tolerance, NEC risk and weight gain in PN. Material and methods: a retrospective study was performed in neonates born before 32 weeks' gestation or with birth weight below 1500 grams, in whom proBNP determination and echocardiography were performed at 48 to 72 h of life. Results: 117 patients were included. 65.8% had a HS-PDA and 9.4% had an outcome of NEC. HS-PDA was associated with longer duration of parenteral nutrition (p < 0.001), a confirmed NEC (p = 0.006) and worse weight gain during admission (p < 0.001). ProBNP levels were associated to NEC (no NEC 12189.5 pg / mL, range 654-247986; NEC 41445 pg/mL, range 15275-166172, p < 0.001). No association was found with the rest of gastrointestinal outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of NEC with gestational age and proBNP above 22,400 pg/mL (OR 13,386, 95% CI 1,541-116,262, p = 0.019). Conclusions: proBNP could be an early marker of severe digestive pathology in PN. Increased proBNP levels could be associated with a significant increased risk of NEC in very immature newborns.

Early versus Late Enteral Feeding in Preterm Intrauterine Growth Restricted Neonates with Antenatal Doppler Abnormalities: An Open-Label Randomized Trial.

Enteral feeding in preterm neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and absent or reversed end diastolic flow (AREDF) on umbilical artery (UA) Doppler is delayed owing to an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Delaying enteral feeding with longer duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) carries an increased risk of sepsis. To study early versus late feeding in preterm IUGR neonates for time required to attain sufficient feed volume to discontinue PN and increased risk of NEC or feed intolerance (FI). Open-label randomized controlled trial. Tertiary care neonatal unit and fetal-maternal medicine unit in India. Preterm intrauterine growth restricted neonates' ≤32 weeks with AREDF on UA Doppler enrolled from 1 January 2014 to 31 July 2015. Randomized to receive early or late feeding using mothers own or donor breast milk as per a feed initiation and advancement protocol. Time in days required to attain sufficient feed volume allowing discontinuation of PN and incidence of NEC in neonates fed early versus late. There were 77 eligible neonates. Sixty-two neonates were included and stratified as extreme preterm (27-29 weeks) (n = 20) and very preterm (30-32 weeks) (n = 42). Ten extreme preterm and 21 very preterm neonates were randomized to each early feeding and late feeding arm. There was a significantly faster attainment of sufficient feeds in the early feeding arm of both the stratified groups [extreme preterm: median 14 days (Interquartile range IQR: 12-15) compared with 18 days (IQR: 18-20), hazard ratio (HR): 1.59, 95% CI: 0.626-4.078; very preterm: 12 days (IQR: 10-14) as compared with 16 days (IQR 15-17), HR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.011-3.555]. There was no difference in the incidence of NEC, FI and combined outcome of NEC and FI. Early feeding in preterm IUGR neonates with AREDF on antenatal UA Doppler allowed earlier discontinuation of PN, allowing birth weight to be regained earlier and did not increase the incidence of NEC and FI.

Red blood cell transfusion in premature infants leads to worse necrotizing enterocolitis outcomes

BackgroundNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease of premature infants with high mortality. Studies suggest a causative relationship between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and NEC; however, whether RBC transfusion leads to worse outcomes in NEC is unknown. We sought to determine whether RBC transfusion was associated with an increased risk of surgical NEC and mortality. MethodsIn this retrospective study, 115 patients were enrolled with NEC Bell's stage 2A or greater from 2010-2015. Patients were classified based on the timing of RBC transfusion before NEC: ≤72 h, >72 h, and no transfusion. Variables including gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), feedings, and hematocrit levels were analyzed. Outcomes were surgical intervention for NEC following RBC transfusion and mortality. ResultsTwenty-three (20%) infants developed NEC ≤ 72 h after RBC transfusion, 16 (69.6%) required surgery with a mortality rate of 21.7% (n = 5). Seventeen (15%) infants developed NEC > 72 h after RBC transfusion, 12 (70.6%) required surgery with a mortality rate of 23.5% (n = 4). 75 (65%) patients developed NEC without RBC transfusion, 17 (22.7%) required surgery with a mortality rate of 4% (n = 3). Lower GA and BW were significantly associated with RBC transfusion and the need for surgical intervention. RBC transfusion ≤72 h before NEC was associated with surgical NEC (pairwise adjusted P < 0.001) and mortality (pairwise adjusted P = 0.048). However, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed RBC transfusion is not an independent risk factor for surgical NEC. ConclusionsInfants of lower GA and BW were more likely to receive an RBC transfusion before NEC, which was significantly associated with surgical intervention and an increasing risk of mortality. Judicious use of transfusions in premature infants may improve NEC outcomes.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Narrative Review of Updated Therapeutic and Preventive Interventions

Context: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality for premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Many theories concerning its pathophysiology and inciting factors have been suggested but progression in preventing the onset of NEC has been minimal. While this article highlights the pathophysiology, management, and outcomes of NEC, it mainly serves as a narrative review to discuss the emerging methods of treatment and prevention. Evidence Acquisition: A literature search was done using Medline/Pub Med, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews via Ovid, and CINAHL Complete with focus on articles published between 2000 and 2016. Searched terms included the following: necrotizing enterocolitis, pathogenesis, prevention, management, breast milk, formula, probiotics, prebiotics, and treatment. Results: Intestinal barrier dysfunction, hypoxic ischemic injury, receipt of packed red blood cells, immature intestinal immunity and alterations of the gut microbiome of the premature infant were reviewed factors that have been studied related to the patho- physiology of NEC. The presentation, staging and management remain relatively unchanged in the last few decades, though there have been a few studies evaluating dierent surgical options, various antibacterial regimen, and recently use of moderate hypother- mia and amniotic fluid stem cells to treat NEC. Use of breast milk, use of pre-, pro- and postbiotics show promise in the prevention of NEC. Conclusions: NEC is a likely multifactorial illness of the gastrointestinal tract aecting mostly premature infants. Recent studies have focused on preventative strategies, with promise in pre-, pro- and postbiotics; however continued research is imperative.

Outcome in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis and patent ductus arteriosus.

There is no agreement of the influence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on outcomes in patients with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In this study, we assessed the influence of PDA on NEC outcomes. A retrospective study of 131 infants with established NEC was performed. Outcomes (death, disease severity, need for surgery, hospitalization duration), as well as multiple clinical parameters were compared between NEC patients with no congenital heart disease (n=102) and those with isolated PDA (n=29). Univariate, multivariate and stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed. Birth weight and gestational age were significantly lower in patients with PDA [median (95% CI): 1120 g (1009-1562 g), 28.4 wk (27.8-30.5 wk)] than in those without PDA [median (95% CI): 1580 g (1593-1905 g), 32.4 wk (31.8-33.5 wk); P<0.05]. The risk of NEC-attributable fatality was higher in NEC patients with PDA (35%) than in NEC patients without PDA (14%)[univariate odds ratio (OR)=3.3, 95% CI: 1.8-8.6, P<0.05; multivariate OR=2.4, 95% CI: 0.82-2.39, P=0.111]. Significant independent predictors for non-survival within the entire cohort were advanced disease severity stage III (OR=27.9, 95% CI: 7.4-105, P<0.001) and birth weight below 1100 g (OR=5.7, 95% CI: 1.7-19.4, P<0.01). In patients with NEC, the presence of PDA is associated with an increased risk of death. However, when important differences between the two study groups are controlled, only birth weight and disease severity may independently predict mortality.

Abstract 15067: Incidence and Outcomes of Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease Complicated by Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Introduction: The management of neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) may be complicated by necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), however, there is limited multicenter data describing the incidence and outcomes of NEC in the CHD population. Objective: We aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors for the development of NEC in neonates with major CHD and the impact on survival. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of neonates with CHD was performed for all index hospitalizations of neonates (&lt;28 days) with major CHD between 2004 and 2014 using the Pediatric Health Information System database. The diagnosis of NEC was determined by the presence of ICD-9 code 777.5x. The incidence of NEC was determined as were risk factors for the development of NEC. Mortality was the primary outcome measure. Results: Of 38770 neonates with major CHD, 1448 (3.6%) were diagnosed with NEC. The rate of NEC varied between 0-8% by hospital and was not associated with hospital volume (p=0.4). Among neonates with a single, major CHD diagnosis, the rate of NEC was 6% in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), 6% in truncus arteriosus (TA) , 4% in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), 3% in aortic arch obstruction (AO), and 2% in transposition of the great arteries (TGA); these diagnoses accounted for 47% of all NEC. Prematurity and chromosomal anomalies were independently associated with the diagnosis of NEC (p≤0.01 for both). Unadjusted mortality among neonates with NEC was 24% compared to 12% in neonates without NEC (OR 2.4, 95%CI 2.1-2.7). When evaluating changes in adjusted mortality associated with NEC by CHD diagnosis, TOF mortality increased from 8% to 16% (p&lt;.01), TGA increased from 5% to 21% (p&lt;0.01), AO increased from 6% to 20% (p&lt;0.01), HLHS increased from 22% to 28% (p=.07), and TA decreased from 13% to 12% (p=0.7). Median LOS was higher in neonates with NEC than without NEC (54d [IQR 31-93] vs. 18d [IQR 9-34], p&lt;0.01) as was median hospital charge ($600k [IQR 310k-1.1m] vs. $220k [IQR 100k-430k], p&lt;0.01). Conclusions: The incidence of NEC among neonates with major CHD is highest in HLHS and TA. NEC is associated with significantly higher hospital mortality, LOS, and charges. Determining modifiable factors associated with NEC may allow for interventions to reduce morbidity in this population.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis among Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants in Korea.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal emergency and remains a major cause of mortality for very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWI) requiring surgery. To date, there have been no large-scale studies evaluating the incidence, associated clinical factors and outcomes of NEC for VLBWI in Korea. The 2,326 VLBWI of a total 2,386 Korean Neonatal Network (KNN) cohort born with a birth weight below 1,500 g between January 2013 to June 2014 were included in this analysis. The overall incidence of NEC (stage ≥ 2) among VLBWI in Korea was 6.8%; 149 infants had NEC stage ≥ 2 and 2,177 infants did not have NEC. Surgery was performed for 77 (53%) of the infants in the NEC group. NEC was related to lower gestational age (GA) and birth weight (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that NEC was consistently related to hypotension within one week after birth (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-3.9). With respect to outcome, the NEC group had longer times to reach 100 mL/kg/day feeding (P < 0.001), longer TPN duration (P < 0.001) and hospitalization (P = 0.031) and higher PVL (P < 0.001) and mortality rate (P < 0.001). When the medical and surgical NEC groups were compared, GA was significantly lower and PDA was more found in the surgical NEC group. The overall incidence of NEC in Korea is similar to that of other multicenter studies. In addition to GA and birth weight, hypotension within a week of life is significantly related to NEC.

Risk Factors and Outcome in Neonatal Necrotising Enterocolitis

To analyze multiple risk factors of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and the outcome. Hundred neonates with NEC were compared with 100 normal neonates matched for sex, gestation and weight. Their data including antenatal, natal, course of illness, hospital stay, progress and outcome were collected. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors. Mean age of onset of NEC was 2.35 ± 1.11d. Stage I, II and III were noted in 48%, 39% and 13% of cases respectively. Most common clinical features were abdominal distension (85%) and feed intolerance (70%). Important risk factors associated with NEC were sepsis, top feeding, perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress and mechanical ventilation. Antenatal steroids and breast feeding had beneficial effect. No association was found with occurrence of NEC and cyanotic heart disease or administration of H2 blockers. Outcome in stage III was very poor. Early identification of risk factors and appropriate intervention may reduce the incidence and improve the outcome in NEC.

Predicting outcome in necrotizing enterocolitis with the score for neonatal acute physiology: a retrospective study of 62 cases

To explore the value of the score for neonatal acute physiology (score for neonatal acute physiology, SNAP) in predicting outcome and risk of surgery of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). A total of 62 NEC patients in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Zhejiang University Children's Hospital were reviewed from October 2001 to October 2011. All the patients were classified into surgery group and non-surgery group according to whether the patient had the surgical intervention. Also the patients were divided into death group and alive group according to the outcome. Data on gestational age at birth, gender, birth weight, early clinical manifestations, treatment and prognosis of all patients were collected. SNAP-II and score for neonatal acute physiology and perinatal extension II (SNAPPE-II) were calculated on the day of diagnosis. Abdominal distension, which was seen in 91.9% of the cases, was the commonest early clinical manifestation. The next was residual and bloody stool. SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II score in surgery group (26.5,26.5) were higher than that of the non-surgery group (13.0, 13.0,P = 0.002, 0.006). And the same scores in death group (29.0,32.0) were higher than those in the alive group (8.0, 8.0) (P = 0.000, 0.000). Measuring the scores as a predictor of surgery, the area under ROC curve for SNAP-II was 0.745, and was 0.714 for SNAPPE-II. The area under ROC curve for SNAP-II was 0.916, and was 0.929 for SNAPPE-II.The best positive point of SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II for predicting surgery was 22 and 28. The best positive point of SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II for predicting death was 18.5 and 22. The SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II score may be used to predict the prognosis and the risk of surgery in the NEC patients. The scores are also good predictors of mortality in the early period when NEC occurs.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory disease of the intestine that largely affects very low birthweight premature infants. It is a disease process that can be widely variable in its course and outcomes. Because the etiology and pathogenesis of NEC still remain incompletely understood, treatment options and morbidity and mortality for infants who have NEC have not significantly improved in the past four decades. Given the potentially devastating outcomes of NEC, it is imperative to focus research efforts on potential markers that could identify this disease process early in its course, as well as predict the course and severity of disease to improve outcomes. Perhaps more importantly, this article reviews the current status of preventive measures for NEC.

Noninvasive measurement of intestinal epithelial damage at time of refeeding can predict clinical outcome after necrotizing enterocolitis

Reintroduction of enteral nutrition in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) should take place when the gut is ready for its normal function. Too early a start of oral feeding might lead to disease relapse, whereas prolonged discontinuation of enteral nutrition is associated with impaired gut function and parenteral nutrition-related complications. This study evaluated whether noninvasive urinary measurement of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) at the time of refeeding can predict clinical outcome in neonates with NEC. Urinary I-FABP concentrations were measured in 21 infants with NEC just before reintroducing enteral nutrition. Poor outcome was defined as unsuccessful reintroduction of enteral feeding (EF), (re)operation for NEC, or death related to NEC after reintroduction of EF. Median urinary I-FABP levels in neonates with poor outcome (n = 5) were significantly higher as compared with I-FABP levels in neonates with good outcome (n = 16) (P < 0.01). A clinically significant cutoff value of 963 pg/ml was found to discriminate between infants with poor outcome and those with good outcome (sensitivity 80%, specificity 94%). Noninvasive urinary I-FABP measurement at time of refeeding differentiates neonates with poor outcome from neonates with good outcome in NEC. Urinary I-FABP measurement may therefore be helpful in the timing of EF in neonates with NEC.

Diet‐Dependent Effects of Minimal Enteral Nutrition on Intestinal Function and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Pigs

A rapid advance in enteral feeding is associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. Therefore, minimal enteral nutrition (MEN) combined with parenteral nutrition (PN) is common clinical practice, but the effects on NEC and intestinal function remain poorly characterized. It was hypothesized that a commonly used MEN feeding volume (16-24 mL/kg/d) prevents NEC and improves intestinal structure, function, and microbiology in preterm pigs. After preterm birth pigs were stratified into 4 nutrition intervention groups that received the following treatments: (1) PN followed by full enteral formula feeding (OF group, n = 12); (2) PN supplemented with formula MEN and followed by full formula feeding (FF, n = 12); (3) PN plus colostrum MEN followed by formula feeding (CF, n = 12); (4) PN plus colostrum MEN followed by colostrum feeding (CC, n = 10). NEC was absent in the CC group but frequent in the other groups (50%-67%). Compared with other groups, CC pigs showed improved mucosal structures, brush border enzyme activities, and hexose absorption (all P < .05). Relative to formula MEN, colostrum MEN thus improved gut function but did not prevent later formula-induced gut dysfunction and NEC. However, in CF pigs, intestinal lesions were restricted to the colon, compared with all regions in OF and FF pigs, which indicated proximal protection of colostrum MEN. Bacterial composition was not affected by MEN, diet, or NEC outcomes, but bacterial load and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were reduced in the MEN groups. Colostrum MEN improves intestinal structure, function, and NEC resistance in preterm pigs but does not protect against gut dysfunction and NEC associated with later full enteral formula feeding.

Trajectory of Metabolic Derangement in Infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis Should Drive Timing and Technique of Surgical Intervention

Seven clinical metrics of metabolic derangement (MD7) have improved the timing of surgical intervention in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We compared surgical NEC outcomes based on MD7 at our center (unit S) with a similar center (unit B) that based its intervention on abdominal radiograph. Premature infants undergoing surgical care for NEC were evaluated. MD7 included positive blood culture, acidosis, bandemia, hyponatremia, thrombocytopenia, hypotension, and neutropenia. Surgical recommendations were stratified as observation or intervention. Good outcomes included full enteric feeding by discharge and poor outcomes were death or dependence on parenteral nutrition. For unit S and unit B, the frequency, median, and mode of MD7 component per case were determined for observation and intervention. Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon matched pairs were used to compare positive MD7 frequency for observation with intervention. Institutional mortality was compared and metabolic severity of unit cohorts was evaluated by incidence of MD7 in each. From March 2005 to July 2008, forty-one infants at unit S underwent 62 surgical evaluations. Observation was elected in 38 (median 1 MD7 per case, mode 0). Operative intervention occurred in 24 (median 4 MD7 per case, mode 4). Proportional MD7 difference between observation and intervention was significant (p = 0.018, U = 6). From February 2007 to December 2008, sixty-five unit B infants received 81 evaluations, recommending 37 observations (median 2 MD7 per case, mode 2), and 44 interventions (median 3 MD7 per case, mode 3). MD7 proportions between observation and intervention were not significant (p = 0.318, U = 16). Poor outcomes rates for unit S and unit B infants were 24% and 66%, respectively (p = 0.0001). Severity of MD7 did not differ between institutions (p = 0.53, U = 19). These data demonstrate variability in surgical approach to NEC. The MD7 panel describes the trajectory of metabolic derangement, defines more timely surgical intervention, and demonstrates that waiting for free air is too late.

Mortality of necrotizing enterocolitis expressed by birth weight categories

Purpose Low birth weight is the most important risk factor for developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We aimed to establish birth weight-based benchmarks for in-hospital mortality in neonates with NEC. Methods Five hundred eleven centers belonging to the Vermont Oxford Network prospectively evaluated 71,808 neonates with birth weight of 501 to 1500 g between January 2005 and December 2006. The primary outcome variable was in-hospital mortality. Results Birth weight was divided into 4 categories by 250-g increments. The NEC risk ( P < .001) and mortality ( P < .001) decreased with higher birth weight category. Necrotizing enterocolitis was associated with a significant odds ratio for death for each category ( P < .001). Across groups, the odds ratio for NEC mortality increased with higher birth weight category (category 1 = 1.6 vs category 4 = 9.9; P < .001). Conclusion The in-hospital mortality rate of neonates with NEC remains high and is significantly related to birth weight category. Although the risk and absolute mortality of NEC decrease with higher birth weight, the odds ratios indicate that NEC has a relatively greater impact upon mortality at higher birth weight. These data afford birth weight-based mortality benchmarks that may be useful in assessing single center NEC outcomes and facilitating comparisons between centers.

La fistule digestive : une complication inhabituelle de l’entérocolite ulcéronécrosante du nouveau-né prématuré

Intestinal fistula is a rare complication in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and is typically associated with a colonic stricture. We report the case of a preterm infant with severe NEC, who developed an ileocolic fistula followed by the appearance of a colonic stricture after surgical treatment. This report shows how complex the outcome of NEC can be: a contrast enema should be done in NEC when the clinical or biological outcome is not favorable, in order not to delay the diagnosis of intestinal fistula.

State-Based Analysis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Outcomes

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease of the newborn. We hypothesized that patient and institution level factors lead to NEC-related outcome disparities. We analyzed the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database for the years 1999-2004. We selected NEC-specific ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes. Mortality rate was the primary outcome measure, and length of stay was used a secondary end-point. We stratified the data by birth weight, gender, race/ethnicity, treatment, median household income, insurance status, admission type (inborn or outborn), and NICU levels. We identified 3328 infants with NEC (incidence of 1 per 1000 live births). Overall mortality within the NEC cohort was 12.5% (13.4 deaths per 100,000 live births). Male or Hispanic neonates were less likely to survive. Socioeconomic factors, including insurance status and parental median household income, were not predictors of mortality. Neonates treated surgically had a greater mortality rate compared with ones treated nonsurgically. PDA was present in 32% of patients with NEC, and these neonates were more likely to undergo gastrointestinal surgery. The odds of NEC-associated mortality in level IIIC units were significantly greater than any other NICU level. Admission type (inborn versus outborn) was not associated with increased mortality. Disparities in NEC outcomes are multifactorial with patient- and treatment-specific factors contributing significantly to the unfavorable outcomes. These data suggest that advances in prediction modeling, prevention, and treatment algorithms are needed for clinicians and state health planners to positively impact this costly neonatal condition.

Correlation of sonographic findings and outcome in necrotizing enterocolitis

There is little in the literature regarding the use of gray-scale and Doppler sonography of the bowel in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and how findings depicted by this modality might assist in predicting outcome and influence management. To correlate sonographic findings with outcome in NEC. This was a retrospective analysis of clinical and abdominal ultrasonography (AUS) findings in NEC from January 2003 to December 2005. AUS findings were evaluated for portal venous gas, free gas, peritoneal fluid, bowel wall thickness, echogenicity, perfusion and intramural gas. Patients were categorized into two groups, according to their outcome. A total of 40 infants were identified who had AUS for NEC prior to any surgical intervention. Group A comprised 18 neonates treated medically and recovered fully, and group B comprised 22 neonates who required surgery or died. Free gas (six patients) and focal fluid collections (three patients) were only found in group B. Increased bowel wall echogenicity, absent bowel perfusion, portal venous gas, bowel wall thinning, bowel wall thickening, free fluid with echoes and intramural gas were seen in both groups, but more frequently in group B. Anechoic free fluid was seen more frequently in group A. Increased bowel perfusion was seen equally in both groups. An adverse outcome was associated with the sonographic findings of free gas, focal fluid collections or three or more of the following: increased bowel wall echogenicity, absent bowel perfusion, portal venous gas, bowel wall thinning, bowel wall thickening, free fluid with echoes and intramural gas. Sonographic findings are useful in predicting outcome and therefore might help guide management.

A simple presurgical necrotizing enterocolitis-mortality scoring system

To assess the relationship between early laboratory parameters, disease severity, type of management (surgical or conservative) and outcome in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Retrospective collection and analysis of data from infants treated in a single tertiary care center (1980 to 2002). Data were collected on disease severity (Bell stage), birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA) and pre-intervention laboratory parameters (leukocyte and platelet counts, hemoglobin, lactate, C-reactive protein). Data from 128 infants were sufficient for analysis. Factors significantly associated with survival were Bell stage (P<0.05), lactate (P<0.05), BW and GA (P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively). From receiver operating characteristics curves, the highest predictive value resulted from a score with 0 to 8 points combining BW, Bell stage, lactate and platelet count (P<0.001). At a cutoff level of 4.5 sensitivity and specificity for predicting survival were 0.71 and 0.72, respectively. Some single parameters were associated with poor outcome in NEC. Optimal risk stratification was achieved by combining several parameters in a score.