Neurodevelopmental outcome in very low birthweight infants with necrotizing enterocolitis requiring surgery

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) on neurodevelopmental outcome. Methodology: Neurodevelopmental outcome of 20 very low birthweight (VLBW) infants who developed NEC requiring surgery was compared with 40 matched infants controlled for gestation, birthweight, and year of admission. Twenty‐nine VLBW infants who developed NEC and did not require surgery were also compared. Results: Infants with NEC needing surgery were of 26±2 weeks gestation and weighed 892±192 g at birth. Infants with NEC managed medically were of higher gestation (27±2 weeks) but similar birthweights. More infants with NEC requiring surgery required inotropic support. At follow up, NEC surgery infants had a significantly higher incidence of developmental morbidity, 11 of 20 compared with 11 of 40 matched controls (Fisher's exact test P= 0.0493), and six of 29 infants with NEC managed medically (Fisher's exact test P= 0.0174). Conclusions: These findings stress the importance for close follow up for neurodevelopmental sequelae in VLBW infants who have had NEC requiring surgery.