Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Understanding and Treatment Strategies with the NEC-on-a-Chip Model
Published on: July 28, 2023
Antibiotic exposure and development of necrotizing enterocolitis in very preterm neonates
Rana Esmaeilizand1, Prakesh S Shah2, Mary Seshia3
1Department of Pediatrics, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario.
Objective:
To examine the association between the duration of antibiotic exposure and development of stage 2 or 3 necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very preterm neonates.
Study Design:
A retrospective case-control study was conducted from Canadian Neonatal Network data for preterm neonates born before 29 weeks' gestation and admitted 2010 through 2013. Efforts were made to match each NEC case to two controls for gestational age, birth weight (±100 g) and sex.
Results:
A total of 224 cases and 447 controls were identified. The incidence of antenatal steroid administration, the number of days nil-per-os and the number of antibiotic days prior to onset of NEC were significantly different in neonates with NEC. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the duration of antibiotic use was higher among NEC cases compared to controls (P<0.01). Empiric antibiotic treatment of 5 or more days was associated with significantly increased odds of NEC as compared with antibiotic exposure of 0 to 4 days (adjusted odds ratio: 2.02; 95% CI 1.55, 3.13).
Conclusion:
Empiric antibiotic exposure for 5 or more days in preterm neonates born before 29 weeks' gestation was associated with an increased risk of NEC.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic Selection
Sustainable Development
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...

