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A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: November 30, 2021
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Association Between a Decrease in Blood Monocyte Counts and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants
Supriya Bisht1, Kim Roger2, Sharef Al-Mulaabed3
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
Cureus
|June 27, 2025
Summary
A decrease in absolute monocyte count (AMC) was linked to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. A falling AMC may serve as an early biomarker for increased NEC risk in neonates with feeding issues.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hematology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal condition affecting preterm infants.
- Early identification of NEC risk is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
- Absolute monocyte count (AMC) is a component of the complete blood count (CBC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between AMC and NEC in preterm neonates.
- To determine if a decline in AMC can predict an elevated risk of NEC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of preterm neonates diagnosed with NEC or feeding intolerance (FI).
- Evaluation of AMC from complete blood counts at baseline, onset of NEC/FI, and post-event.
- Statistical comparison using Student's t-test and chi-squared test.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in AMC was observed from baseline to onset in the feeding intolerance group (p<0.001).
- The NEC group showed a non-significant trend of falling AMC from baseline to onset (p=0.074).
- Of 92 neonates, 29 had NEC and 63 had FI; groups were comparable in gestational age and birth weight.
Conclusions:
- A decrease in AMC is associated with the presence of NEC in preterm infants.
- A falling AMC may function as a predictive biomarker for NEC risk in neonates experiencing feeding problems.
