Infection and Predisposing Factors in Neonatal Necrotising Enterocolitis

Abstract

Summary: A prospective study of 61 cases of neonatal necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) admitted to the special care baby unit, UBTH, over a four-year period (1978–1981) is presented. The peak period of its occurrence was between May and October. The overall pre valence was 20.9 per thousand admissions. The mean birthweight of the subjects was 1770 gm (range, 850-3700 gm), while the mean gestational age was 34 weeks (range, 27–44 weeks). NEC was diagnosed within the ist week of life in 38 (62%) infants (range, 1-28 days). Iniections, asphyxia and respiratory distress were the predisposing factors in the development of NEC. Salmonella G and Staphylococcus aureus which were the main pathogens isolated in two recent epidemics of septicaemia and diarrhoea in the unit were not associated with the development of NEC. The mortality rate was 80%.