Related Factors in Necrotizing Enterocolitis after Gastroschisis Repair
Keywords:
closure of abdominal wall defect, gastroschisis, necrotizing enterocolitisAbstract
Background/Objectives: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has been documented as a complication ininfants after repair of gastroschisis. Previous studies showed that the etiology of NEC might be multi-factorial.
The aim of this study was to review the experience in the management of neonates with gastroschisis and to
identify the risk factors of NEC after gastroschisis repair.
Methods: A retrospective case analysis was performed on neonates with gastroschisis treated at the
Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health between 1998 and 2007. Information data including relevant
demography, perioperative data, intravenous parenteral nutrition and enteral feeding were reviewed. The study
focused on related factors that might induce NEC after gastroschisis repair. Data were analyzed by the Chi-square
and student t-test. Statistically significant difference was considered at the level of a p-value less than 0.05.
Results: Four hundred and sixty-six neonates with gastroschisis were treated by definitive operation
during the study period. Forty cases died and 11 of these had evidence of NEC (27.5%). Of the total 466 patients,
44 cases (9.4%) developed NEC after gastroschisis repair. The mean of birth weight was significantly different
between the NEC and non-NEC groups (2,016.4 ± 658.2g vs. 2,234.2 ± 1,165.5g, p = 0.001). Neonates in the NEC
group underwent additional operation due to associated GI anomalies or complications more than the non-NEC
group with statistical significance (9/44 vs. 17/422, p <0.001). Regarding sepsis complications, the NEC group
had also more common than those of the non-NEC neonates (11/44 vs. 31/422, p = 0.003). There was no
difference in associated GI abnormalities between both groups (4/44 vs. 32/422; p = 0.148), except for intestinal
atresia. Surprisingly, neonates in the non-NEC group had significantly more early initiating enteral feeding than
the NEC group (15.3 ± 11.2 days vs. 18.0 ± 10.5 days; p = 0.007)
Conclusions: Low birth weight, underlying compromised bowel, additional operation due to complications
and associated GI anomalies especially intestinal atresia were the important predisposing factors for NEC after
gastroschisis repair. Delayed initiating enteral feeding is unable to prevent NEC after gastroschisis repair.
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