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Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: November 30, 2021
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Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Associated Mortality in Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease: A Multi-Institutional
Joseph A Spinner1, Shaine A Morris1, Deipanjan Nandi2
1Department of Pediatrics, Lillie Frank Abercrombie Section of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.
Summary
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) affects 3.7% of neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD), increasing mortality and healthcare costs. NEC prevalence and mortality vary significantly based on specific CHD diagnoses, highlighting the need for tailored care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition in newborns.
- Data on NEC prevalence and mortality in neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) is limited.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and compare the prevalence and mortality of NEC in neonates with CHD.
- To identify specific CHD diagnoses associated with higher NEC risk.
- To analyze the impact of NEC on mortality, hospital stay, and costs in neonates with CHD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective multi-institutional study.
- Utilized the Pediatric Health Information System database.
- Analyzed data from neonates with CHD between 2004 and 2014.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of NEC was 3.7% among neonates with CHD.
- NEC prevalence varied by CHD diagnosis, with higher rates in hypoplastic left heart syndrome and truncus arteriosus.
- NEC was associated with a significant increase in in-hospital mortality (24.4%), longer hospital and ICU stays, and higher hospital charges.
Conclusions:
- NEC affects a notable percentage of neonates with CHD, with significant variations across different cardiac conditions.
- Prematurity is a key risk factor for NEC and mortality in this population.
- NEC substantially increases mortality, resource utilization, and costs for neonates with CHD, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.

