Outcome
Eleven children with NEC died, with a mortality rate of 23%. There was also considerable morbidity with prolonged hospitalisation and bowel rest and need for parenteral nutrition. The median duration of hospital stay and bowel rest were 10 days (Range: 7-48 days) and 6 days (Range: 3-18 days) respectively. Vasoactive support was required in 22 of the 48 children (45%), whereas mechanical ventilation was needed in 11 children with median duration of 5 days and 4 days respectively.
The baseline demographic parameters, underlying malignancy and nature of chemotherapy were similar in the NEC and non- NEC group. Only faecal calprotectin and anaerobic flora- Bacteroides andLactobacillus showed statistically significant difference among the groups.