Risk Factors for Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Nakhonpathom Hospital.

Abstract

     A two year retrospective study of necrotizing enterocolitis was performed from June.1, 2005 to May.31, 2007. The perinatal histories and hospital records of 72 cases of necrotizing enterocolitis were studied. In addition a case - control study was performed to evaluate possible risk factors for this disease. The prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis was 5.1/1,000 live births in patients who were born at Nakhonpathom Hospital. About ten percent of cases died but with a much decreased mortality rate from twenty-five years ago. (In 1982 the mortality was 41%)

     In conclusion, the condition of necrotizing enterocolitis was reviewed to determine possible risk factors. It was found predominantly in asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome / respiratory distress, shock, sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus, apnea, anemia, hypothermia, on ventilator, prematurity, and low birth weight infants with less than 7 days of feeding.