title: T cryptantigen activation is associated with advanced necrotizing enterocolitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Thomsen-Friedenreich cryptantigen activation (TCA) exposes neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis NEC to the risk of hemolysis after transfusion of blood products. The authors aimed to determine the prevalence of TCA in neonates with NEC and to correlate TCA with severity of disease and outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred four neonates with NEC were tested for TCA on admission. Patients with TCA requiring transfusion were given packed red cells, low-titer anti-T fresh frozen plasma, and washed platelets to avoid hemolysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-three infants had TCA, and 96% of these had stage III disease. The incidence of TCA was significantly higher in infants with stage III disease compared with those with stage II (30% v 4%; P <.01). A total of 91% of infants with TCA required laparotomy compared with 81% of those with no activation. At laparotomy, widespread disease was more common in the TCA group (71% v 55%). TCA did not significantly increase mortality rate (TCA, 39% v no TCA, 28%); this may reflect the transfusion policy of our unit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Twenty-two percent of neonates with NEC referred to our unit had TCA. There is an association between TCA and advanced NEC. Screening of neonates with advanced NEC for TCA is advised to identify those at risk of hematologic complications.
authors: London, England.
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Hall
authors: E G p
authors: EG
authors: Ong
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Ade-Ajayi
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Fasoli
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Ververidis
authors: E M
authors: EM
authors: Kiely
authors: D P
authors: DP
authors: Drake
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Spitz
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Hann
authors: Q
authors: Q
authors: Mok
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Pierro
mesh_terms: D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate / Q000276:immunology*; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000276:immunology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D015996:Survival Rate
chemical_list: D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate; D007519:Isoantigens; C016467:Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen