Are localized intestinal perforations distinct from necrotizing enterocolitis?
OBJECTIVE
Localized intestinal perforation (LP) is thought to be a distinct entity when compared with perforation associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Studies have indicated that LP is more amenable to percutaneous drainage and associated with a better outcome. We sought to determine whether LP and NEC could be distinguished based on clinical parameters alone.


METHODS
A retrospective review of 40 neonates with gastrointestinal perforations between January 1990 and May 1998 was performed. All had undergone laparotomy and had histologic specimens available for evaluation.


RESULTS
Twenty-one neonates had necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and 19 had localized perforation (LP) based on histologic criteria. More neonates with LP were exposed to prenatal indomethacin (37% v 5%; P <.05), received intravenous dexamethasone (42% v 10%; P <.05), had umbilical artery catheters (63% v 14%; P <.05), and had a higher white blood cell (WBC) count (27.1 +/- 23.1 v 14.3 +/- 11.5; P <.05). More neonates with NEC had pneumatosis intestinalis (47% v 11%; P <.05). No significant differences existed in enteral feeding (16% LP v 38% NEC) or overall mortality rate (37% LP v 38% NEC). No statistical differences in the timing of perforation or clinical presentation were found.


CONCLUSIONS
NEC and LP are difficult to distinguish based on clinical parameters alone. The authors did find associations between LP and prenatal indomethacin, intravenous dexamethasone, umbilical artery catheters, and a higher WBC count. Mortality rate and clinical outcome were nearly identical in both groups. Pneumatosis intestinalis, thought to be pathognomonic for NEC, was seen on abdominal radiograph in 2 babies with histologically proven LP.
Departments of Pediatric Surgery, Pathology, and Radiology, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Hamish
H
Hwang
James J
JJ
Murphy
Kenneth W
KW
Gow
J Fergall
JF
Magee
Elhamy
E
Bekhit
Douglas
D
Jamieson
D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000009:adverse effects; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D003907:Dexamethasone; D007213:Indomethacin