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.