Risk Factors of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates With Bloodstream Infections: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE

We intend to investigate the risk factors of the necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)-associated bloodstream infection (BSI) in neonates with NEC.

METHODS

This analysis included a multi-centered retrospective case-control study in 4 newborn intensive care units (NICUs) from 2015 to 2024. The factors involved in the NEC-associated BSI were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The majority of NEC-associated BSIs were caused by Klebsiella spp. (23%). Compared with those without BSI, the neonates with BSI had significantly lower gestational age and birth weight (BW), had a higher incidence rate of NEC of stage III (P = .048) and surgical NEC. The independent risk factors of concurrent BSI were BW and first white blood cell (WBC) count. And BSI, vasopressor use at enrollment, and respiratory support were independent risk factors of the NEC-attributable mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The BSI following NEC was associated with low BW and high WBC, which might be helpful for the optimization of treatment planning.