[Retrospective analysis of 80 cases of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis]

We present the cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) treated in our hospital between 1980 and 1994, in order to analyze the risk factors that appear in the disease. We elaborate treatment and follow-up protocols. Prematurity, low birth weight and perinatal stress have a significant influence in NEC. Hemodinamic inestability, bloody stools, abdominal distension with decrease gastric outlet, along with significant radiological evidence in 90 percent of the cases, should rise suspition of NEC. We find fundamental the prevention of the disease in premature newborns with risk factors. Mean gestational age was 33 weeks. Prematurity was found in 87.5 percent of the patients, with a mean birth weight of 1683 g. Symptoms appeared at the age of 14 days. 32 percent of the cases were operated, 13 cases (16%) presenting with pneumoperitoneum, and a Mortality rate 15 percent. We treated 15 patients with colonic stenosis by resection and end-to-end anastomosis, with 6 percent mortality global mortality rate for NEC has been 28 percent.