[Risk and outcome factors in necrotizing enterocolitis].
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to identify risk and outcome factors in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).


METHODS
We have studied 72 cases of NEC collected from 1987 until 1994 in the three hospitals of the integrated Unit. A case-control study matched for gestational age and center was performed for 26 risk factors. Conditional logistic regression was used in significant bivariate variables. The 18 outcome factors had the same statical treatment, but without the paired design.


RESULTS
Serous infections previous to NEC, apnea and feeding increments greater than 20 cc/kg/day have been identified as risk factors for preterm babies (p < 0.05). Severe acidosis and pneumoperitoneum have been found significant outcome variables, but with very low discriminatory capacity.


CONCLUSIONS
It has been found difficult to identify risk factors for NEC besides the gestational age. Outcome factors have very low sensitivity. Preventive treatment should be directed to decrease the effect of the inflammatory mediators in the gastrointestinal tract.
Carbonell Estrany
X
X
Unidad Integrada de Neonatología, Hospital Casa Maternitat, Barcelona.
Esqué Ruiz
M T
MT
Ojuel Solsona
J
J
Ascaso Terrén
C
C
Figueras Aloy
J
J
Moliner Calderón
E
E
Krauel Vidal
J
J
Garrón Torrico
P
P
D002175:Candida / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003013:Clostridium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007709:Klebsiella / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification