Risk factors and outcome in neonatal necrotising enterocolitis.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze multiple risk factors of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and the outcome.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

Mean age of onset of NEC was 2.35 ± 1.11 d. 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.

CONCLUSIONS

Early identification of risk factors and appropriate intervention may reduce the incidence and improve the outcome in NEC.