[Role of a hypertonic theophylline solution and blood transfusion in necrotizing colitis]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of an hyperosmolar solution of theophylline and of blood transfusion in the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). By the end of 1982, theophylline previously given in alcoholic solution (osmolality greater than 4000 mosm/kg) was given in a preparation of sodium benzoate isoosmotic to the plasma; in addition, blood was irradiated for 20 minutes by X-Rays (5000 rads) before every transfusion. In the same unit of premature infants, the incidence of NEC was 6.7% in 1981-82; it decreased to 2.7% in 1983-84 (p less than 0.02). In the same periods of time, the incidence of NEC in very low birth weight infants (less than 1500 g) decreased from 18% to 4.7% (p less than 0.001) while the number of these very low birth weight infants had increased significantly. The incidence of blood transfusion prior to NEC was found in 67% of the patients. These data suggest a beneficial role of reducing the osmolality of theophylline and of X-Rays irradiation of blood before transfusion as a prophylaxis of NEC in premature infants.