Results
NEC was diagnosed in 44 children based on clinical and imaging features with incidence of 7.4% (Four had recurrent episodes). Common manifestations included fever(98%), pain abdomen(88%), and diarrhoea(83%). Hypoalbuminemia was observed in 78% patients. Large bowel involvement(94%) with diffuse bowel involvement(63%) and pancolitis(64%) were common. Fecal calprotectin was significantly elevated in NEC group than non-NEC group and healthy controls (median 87, 53, and 42 µg/g respectively). Higher degree of gut dysbiosis was observed in children with NEC with higher isolation ofBacteroides and infrequent isolation of Lactobacilli..
Mortality rate of 23% was observed. Only presence of free fluid predicted higher mortality. Though levels of fecal calprotectin and gut dysbiosis were higher in NEC, they didn’t increase mortality. Isolation of Bacteroides and absence of Lactobacilli predicted longer duration of intravenous alimentation.