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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
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A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: November 30, 2021
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Maternal risk factors for neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis
Melissa I March1,2,3, Munish Gupta3,4, Anna M Modest1
1a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and.
Summary
Maternal hypertensive disease did not significantly increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). However, intrauterine growth restriction and lower birth weight were identified as key risk factors for NEC in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Perinatal Research
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal condition affecting newborns.
- Maternal hypertensive disorders are common pregnancy complications.
- The association between maternal hypertensive disease and neonatal NEC requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between maternal hypertensive disease and other risk factors with the development of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study of singleton neonates diagnosed with NEC between 2008 and 2012.
- Maternal hypertensive disease was the primary exposure of interest.
- Data on demographics, pregnancy complications, medications, and neonatal outcomes were collected from medical records.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between maternal hypertensive disease and neonatal NEC.
- Antenatal diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction (p=0.008) and lower neonatal birth weight (p=0.009) were significantly associated with increased NEC risk.
- Infants with NEC exhibited higher rates of late-onset sepsis (p=0.01) and mortality (p=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Intrauterine growth restriction and lower birth weight are significant risk factors for neonatal NEC.
- While not statistically significant, a nearly two-fold increased risk for NEC was observed with maternal hypertensive disease, suggesting potential underpowering of the study.
- Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to clarify the role of maternal hypertensive disease in NEC pathogenesis.
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