[Investigation on high risk factors of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis]

In order to evaluate the factors in high-risk neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and predict the prognosis of NEC, a retrospective analysis of 32 factors was made in 42 neonates with NEC. The cases were divided into a low-risk (survival) group and a high-risk (death) group. Of 32 factors compared between these two group, eight were found to be of significance in evaluating the severity of NEC, and six of them were used in the development of a NEC scores (1) number of days before beginning of artificial feeding; (2) neonatal asphyxia or distress; (3) immature form in WBC differential; (4) CO2 combining power; (5) abdominal tenderness; (6) presence of portal vein air (PVA). All laboratory values and physical and radiographic signs were collected during initial presentation of NEC. Neonates with a score of 3 or more are at an increased risk of developing severe NEC with a 83% mortality.