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Necrotizing enterocolitis can be caused by polycythemic hyperviscosity in the newborn dog
The Journal of Pediatrics
|November 1, 1984
Summary
Polycythemia, a condition of high red blood cell count, can cause necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn puppies. This study demonstrates a direct link between polycythemia and the development of this serious intestinal condition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition in human infants.
- A causal link between polycythemia and NEC has been suspected but not proven.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between polycythemia and necrotizing enterocolitis in a newborn animal model.
Main Methods:
- Forty-six puppies (6-14 days old) were used.
- Polycythemia was induced via red blood cell transfusion (normovolemic and hypervolemic models).
- Control group received whole blood transfusion; all pups were monitored for 24 hours.
Main Results:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis developed in 11/19 pups with normovolemic polycythemia.
- NEC occurred in 8/14 pups with hypervolemic polycythemia.
- Only 1/13 control pups developed NEC (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Polycythemia is a direct cause of necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn dogs.
- The induced lesions in puppies resemble human NEC.
- This study establishes a causal link in a preclinical model.