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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: November 30, 2021
Necrotizing enterocolitis in term neonates: data from a multihospital health-care system
D K Lambert1, R D Christensen, E Henry
1Intermountain Health Care, Ogden, UT 84403, USA. rdchris4@ihc.com
Summary
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in term neonates often occurs in those already hospitalized. Artificial formula feeding and reduced mesenteric perfusion may increase NEC risk in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition affecting neonates.
- This study focuses on term or near-term infants who developed NEC Bell's stage II or higher.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential causes of NEC in term/near-term neonates.
- To compare patients with NEC to a control group of neonates without NEC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 30 neonates with NEC (Bell's stage > or =II) and 5847 controls.
- Data collected from Intermountain Healthcare NICUs between January 2001 and June 2006.
- Comparison of patient features and feeding practices between groups.
Main Results:
- 30 neonates developed NEC, primarily after NICU admission for other reasons.
- NEC patients had higher rates of congenital heart disease, polycythemia, bacterial sepsis, and hypotension.
- Exclusive formula feeding was significantly associated with NEC development (P=0.000).
Conclusions:
- NEC in this cohort exclusively affected neonates already admitted to the NICU.
- Reduced mesenteric perfusion and artificial formula feeding are suspected predisposing factors for NEC in this population.
