Colonic strictures following successful medical management of necrotizing enterocolitis: a prospective study evaluating early gastrointestinal contrast studies.
This is a prospective study of 50 patients with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) treated successfully by medical means. They were all screened with an upper gastrointestinal (GI) contrast study after 14 days of healing and prior to establishment of feeding. Thirty-six patients (72%) with normal upper GI examinations responded well to a graduated increase in feeding. Another 5 (10%) with questionable areas on their upper GI examination had a normal follow-up contrast enema. Feeding was successfully established in this group of infants also. The remaining 9 patients (18%) had demonstrable strictures in both contrast studies. After elective resection of strictures with restoration of intestinal continuity, they were also fed successfully. No delayed strictures were seen in any of the patients. We propose that this method of evaluation is safe, efficient and reliable in the diagnosis of strictures that develop in patients recovering from NEC.
Radhakrishnan
J
J
Department of Pediatrics, Lutheran General Children's Medical Center, Park Ridge, IL.
Blechman
G
G
Shrader
C
C
Patel
M K
MK
Mangurten
H H
HH
McFadden
J C
JC
D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D003287:Contrast Media; D004064:Digestive System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography
D003287:Contrast Media