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Risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates: A meta-analysis
Yan Su1, Rui-Hong Xu1, Li-Yan Guo1
1Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
Frontiers in Pediatrics
|January 23, 2023
Summary
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) risk factors in neonates include premature birth, low birth weight, and sepsis. Protective factors against NEC are breastfeeding, probiotics, and prenatal glucocorticoid use.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal condition affecting newborns.
- Identifying risk and protective factors is crucial for NEC prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis identifying risk factors for NEC in neonates.
- To provide evidence-based references for NEC prevention.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of multiple databases for relevant studies.
- Inclusion of 52 studies (48 case-control, 4 cohort) involving 166,580 neonates.
- Meta-analysis performed using Stata software.
Main Results:
- Significant NEC risk factors identified: gestational diabetes, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, small for gestational age, septicemia, blood transfusion, congenital heart disease, respiratory distress syndrome, premature birth, and pneumonia.
- Protective factors against NEC: breastfeeding, probiotic use, prenatal glucocorticoid exposure, and hyperbilirubinemia.
Conclusions:
- Several maternal and neonatal conditions significantly increase NEC risk.
- Breastfeeding, probiotics, prenatal glucocorticoids, and managing hyperbilirubinemia are associated with reduced NEC incidence.
