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A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: November 30, 2021
Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Term Neonates with Critical Congenital Heart Disease: Associated Risk Factors and
Demet Kangel1, Eymen Recep2, Burcu Çevlik1
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Saglik Bilimleri University Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul 34480, Turkey.
Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) affects term infants with critical congenital heart disease (CHD). Risk factors include early-term birth, low birth weight, single-ventricle physiology, and mechanical ventilation, leading to higher mortality.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Cardiology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal issue that can affect full-term neonates with critical congenital heart disease (CHD).
- This complication can occur even without prematurity, highlighting unique risk factors in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of NEC in term neonates with critical CHD.
- To identify clinical factors associated with NEC development in this specific patient group.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study of term neonates (≥37 weeks' gestation) with critical CHD admitted to a tertiary pediatric cardiac intensive care unit.
- NEC diagnosis was based on modified Bell's criteria (stage IIA or higher).
- Multivariable logistic regression analyzed demographic, clinical, perioperative, and nutritional variables.
Main Results:
- Out of 780 neonates, 18 (2.3%) developed NEC, with a median diagnosis age of 7 days.
- Factors independently associated with NEC included birth weight < 2.5 kg, gestational age < 38 weeks, functional single-ventricle physiology, and mechanical ventilation dependency.
- Mortality was significantly higher in infants with NEC (50%) compared to those without (7.7%).
Conclusions:
- NEC is a significant complication in term neonates with critical CHD, associated with high mortality.
- Early-term birth, low birth weight, single-ventricle physiology, and mechanical ventilation are key independent risk factors for NEC in this population.
