Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
09:02
Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation
Published on: February 15, 2018
[Risk and outcome factors in necrotizing enterocolitis]
X Carbonell Estrany1, M T Esqué Ruiz, J Ojuel Solsona
1Unidad Integrada de Neonatología, Hospital Casa Maternitat, Barcelona.
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Identifying risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants is challenging. While infections, apnea, and feeding increases are risks, outcome factors have low sensitivity, suggesting focus on inflammatory mediators.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Clinical Epidemiology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants.
- Early identification of risk and outcome factors is crucial for effective management and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific risk factors contributing to the development of NEC.
- To determine significant outcome variables associated with NEC in preterm neonates.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 72 NEC cases from 1987-1994 across three hospitals.
- Matched analysis for 26 risk factors and 18 outcome factors using conditional logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Pre-NEC serous infections, apnea, and feeding increments >20 cc/kg/day were identified as significant risk factors (p < 0.05).
- Severe acidosis and pneumoperitoneum emerged as significant outcome variables, albeit with low discriminatory power.
Conclusions:
- Identifying reliable risk factors for NEC beyond gestational age remains difficult.
- Outcome factors demonstrate low sensitivity, indicating a need for targeted preventive strategies focusing on inflammatory pathways.
