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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
09:13
A Neonatal Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Lamina Propria Isolation for Immune Cell Profiling
Published on: September 19, 2025
Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis Totalis a Distinct Disease Process?
Pengjian Zou1, Wenhai Fang2, Peizhi Zhao1
1Department of Neonatal Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Necrotizing enterocolitis totalis (NEC-T) in infants presents with rapid progression and high mortality. Key risk factors include neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and bacteremia, highlighting the need for prompt surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal emergency in neonates.
- Necrotizing enterocolitis totalis (NEC-T) represents a more extensive form of NEC with poorer outcomes.
- Understanding the clinical features and risk factors of NEC-T is crucial for timely management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical characteristics of NEC-T with non-total NEC (NEC-non-T) in infants.
- To identify independent risk factors associated with the development of NEC-T.
- To provide insights for improved clinical management and parental guidance regarding NEC-T.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of infants with Bell's Stage II or III NEC was conducted.
- Infants were categorized into NEC-T and NEC-non-T groups based on intraoperative findings.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine independent risk factors for NEC-T.
Main Results:
- Out of 195 infants undergoing NEC surgery, 15.4% (30) had NEC-T.
- NEC-T cases showed significant differences in gestational age, time to surgery, survival rates, and intestinal failure compared to NEC-non-T.
- Independent risk factors for NEC-T included neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), ventilatory support, bacteremia, transfusion, and portal venous gas (PVG).
Conclusions:
- NEC-T in neonates is characterized by sudden onset, rapid progression, and high mortality.
- NRDS, ventilatory support, bacteremia, transfusion, and PVG are significant risk factors for NEC-T.
- Aggressive surgical decision-making is essential for improving survival rates in NEC-T patients.
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