Frequency and outcome of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the commonest gastrointestinal emergency in neonates. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Present study was conducted to determine the frequency of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates along with their outcome during stay in hospital. Methods: This was descriptive case series carried out in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Paediatrics department, POF Hospital Wah Cantt from August 2010 to February 2011. All the preterm neonates admitted in NICU POF Hospital were included in the study. Patients were clerked on a pre-designed proforma. Results: A total of 196 neonates were enrolled and 28 (14%) were diagnosed with NEC. Outcome analysis of these 28 patients with NEC revealed that 16 patients (57.14%) were discharged while 11 (39.28%) expired and one (3.5%) was referred. Conclusion: There is a high incidence in preterm-low birth weight babies presenting in our set-up, with high mortality rates. (author)