Risk Factors and Outcome of Pneumatosis Intestinalis in Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Neonatology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is an uncommon condition in pediatric patients.
• The underlying causes and risk factors for PI in children are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk factors associated with pneumatosis intestinalis in children.
• To evaluate the outcomes and prognosis of pediatric patients diagnosed with PI.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients (>1 month) with radiological evidence of PI from 1991 to 2021.
• Defined poor outcome as loss of enteral autonomy or death within one month of PI diagnosis.

Main Results:

• 31 children (median age 5 years) were included; common underlying diagnoses included cerebral palsy and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
• 12/31 (38.7%) developed PI post-bone marrow transplantation (BMT).
• Poor outcome (6/31) was associated with lower platelet count, elevated CRP, creatinine, and urea levels.

Conclusions:

• Pneumatosis intestinalis in children generally has a good prognosis but carries risks of morbidity and mortality.
• Lower platelet count and elevated CRP, creatinine, and urea may serve as indicators for a worse prognosis in pediatric PI.