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Long-term assessment of growth, nutritional status, and gastrointestinal function in survivors of necrotizing
Insights
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) survivors showed normal growth and gut function at one year. This study found no long-term effects in premature infants without short bowel syndrome after NEC.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal condition in premature infants.
- Long-term outcomes regarding growth and gastrointestinal function after NEC require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term effects of NEC on growth, nutritional status, and gastrointestinal function in premature infants at 1 year of age.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of premature infants with and without a history of NEC was followed up to 1 year.
- Anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, and gastrointestinal function tests were compared between NEC survivors and controls.
Main Results:
- NEC survivors (n=22) and controls (n=18) exhibited comparable anthropometric measurements at 1 year.
- Biochemical values and gastrointestinal tract functions (vitamin E absorption, bile acid levels, lactose breath test) were normal and similar in both groups.
- No significant differences were observed between infants treated medically versus surgically for NEC.
Conclusions:
- Premature infants who experienced NEC, without developing short bowel syndrome, demonstrate normal growth, nutritional status, and gastrointestinal function at 1 year.
- NEC does not appear to have a detectable long-term negative impact on these parameters when short bowel syndrome is absent.
Abstract:
The long-term effect of necrotizing enterocolitis on growth, nutritional status, and gastrointestinal function was assessed in premature infants at the age of 1 year. Of the 22 of 40 infants who developed NEC, 18 were given medical treatment and four required surgical treatment consisting of intestinal resection of less than one fourth of the small bowel. Eighteen infants who did not develop NEC served as controls. At 1 year follow-up, NEC survivors and controls had normal and comparable anthropometric measurements, biochemical values (serum iron, albumin, prealbumin, retinol binding protein, liver function studies) and gastrointestinal tract function (vitamin E absorption, fasting serum bile acids concentration, lactose breath test). This study demonstrates that, in the absence of short bowel syndrome, there is no detectable long-term effect on growth, nutritional status, and gastrointestinal tract function in premature infants who had NEC in the newborn period.