[Determination of hydrogen in expiratory air of premature infants in suspected necrotizing enterocolitis].
BACKGROUND
Breath hydrogen (H2) analysis has been recommended for the differential diagnosis between necrotizing enterocolitis and transient feeding intolerance.


METHODS
We performed 360 breath H2 analyses in 32 unselected premature babies by use of an electrochemical method.


RESULTS
All babies on oral feedings excreted H2. The concentration of H2 in expired air was extremely variable and often high even in well premature babies. Antibiotic medication (other than penicillin G alone) inhibited breath hydrogen excretion.


CONCLUSIONS
Breath hydrogen analysis can be used as a diagnostic tool for necrotizing enterocolitis if performed in a symptomatic child on oral feedings prior to the initiation of antibiotic therapy.
Rauter
L
L
Kinderabteilung des Landeskrankenhauses Leoben, Osterreich.
Startinig
B
B
Mutz
I
I
D001724:Birth Weight; D001944:Breath Tests; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010400:Penicillin G / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D006859:Hydrogen; D010400:Penicillin G
Wasserstoffbestimmung in der Ausatmungsluft von Frühgeborenen bei Verdacht auf nekrotisierende Enterokolitis.