[Peritoneal drainage as definitive treatment in necrotizing enterocolitis of preterm infants with low weight]

The management of advanced necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm birth with low weight remains controversial. The aim of this study consists in the analysis of the results of treatment in these patients, as well as the evaluation of the role of peritoneal drainage as a definitive therapeutic option.

Observational and descriptive study of 31 patients under 1,500 g of weight with advanced NEC, whom have had surgery in our center in the last 15 years. They were classified in two groups: G1 (n = 21) <1,000 g and G2 (n = 10) 1,000-1,500 g.

Average weight in G1 patients was 791.7 ± 137.5 g and 1,280.7 ± 207.9 g in G2 patients (p <0.01). Average gestational age was 26 ± 1 weeks in G1 patients and 30 ± 2 weeks in G2 patients (p <0.01). Mean time to the start of the advanced NEC was 9,4 ± 4.4 days in G1 patients and 16.7 ± 13.5 days in G2 patients (p = 0.031). In group G1, 95.2% of the patients were treated throughout peritoneal drainage, and 4,8% (n = 1) with laparotomy. In G2, 60% (n = 6) of the patients were treated throughout peritoneal drainage, and 40% (n = 4) with laparotomy (p = 0.027). The peritoneal drainage was a definitive treatment in 84.2% (16/20) of the G1 patients, with a survival rate of 56.3% (n = 9); G2 patients had a definitive treatment in 50% of the patients (3/6), with a survival rate of 66.7% (n = 2) (p = 0.261). In G1 patients, 50% (2/4) of the drains which required subsequently laparotomy, died 0% (0/3) in G2 patients.

Peritoneal drainage is primarily a valid therapeutic option in extremely premature infants and can be used as definitive treatment.