Clinical Spectrum and Outcomes of Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis

The objective of the study was analysis of risk factors associated with outcome of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants in a single-center study. All consecutive infants hospitalized for NEC over a period of 6 years were retrospectively analyzed for clinical course, infections, treatment and outcome. Out of 76 patients, surgical management was applied in 56 (53 exploratory laparotomy, three initial peritoneal drain placement) and in 20 there was only a conservative approach. Segmental intestinal resection was performed in 41 patients. Survival from NEC in our cohort was 79%. We found that independent adverse risk factors of outcome of newborns and infants with NEC were gut perforation, infection, abdominal wall erythema, and development of acute kidney injury. We underline the value of both surgical and conservative approach with careful management in this cohort of patients.