Predictive Factors for Mortality in Pre-Term Neonates with Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious neonatal condition. Over the last three decades, there has been progress in neonatal intensive care with an increase in the incidence of pre-term births. This has led to an increase in the incidence of NEC. However, research studies regarding NEC outcomes in low-income countries are scarce. Our study aimed to assess predictive factors for mortality in patients with NEC in a single center in Tunisia. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective data collection through a review of the patients' medical records. All neonates with a medical or surgical management of NEC between January 1, 2010 and March 31, 2022 were included. Results: A total of 102 neonates were included with the overall survival of 47%. Outcomes of the univariable analysis showed that patients in the deceased group had lower gestational age, lower five-minute Apgar score, lower birth weight, and lower platelet count than those in the survivor group. Multivariable logistic analyses demonstrated that gestational age