Primary Article

Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis: An Update

Authors: DAVID L. DUDGEON MD, PETER A. SCHNEIDER MD, PAUL COLOMBANI MD, MARY JO GHORY MD, JAMES R. BUCK MD, J ALEX HALLER JR. MD

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We reviewed 91 cases of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NNEC), which continues to be a devastating disease occurring in 2% to 4% of all newborn intensive care unit admissions. Onset now occurs in older infants (11.9 days). The morbidity is significant (22%), with strictures (8%) and recurrences (8%) the primary problems. Recurrences are more likely to require surgical intervention and result in a high mortality. Early diagnosis of necrotic bowel before perforation, peritoneal contamination, and sepsis is difficult and contributes to the still high, but improved, overall mortality of 36%.

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References