Risk Factors for Preoperative Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates with Complex Congenital Heart Disease

An exclusive human milk diet reduced risk for NEC, and higher feeding volume increased it.

Complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) is known to be a significant risk factor for developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In a retrospective cohort study, researchers examined whether feeding volume or milk type affected risk for NEC prior to surgery in 546 neonates with CCHD. The cohort was predominately white, non-Hispanic, and born at term.

Preoperative NEC developed in 3.3% of babies at a median age of 8.5 days. Feeding was initiated at a median age of 3 days, and NEC occurred 5 days later on average. Feedings were increased per protocol, and feeding volume >100 mL/kg/d was associated with increased risk for NEC. Other risk factors were preterm birth (gestational age <37 weeks) and biventricular cardiac lesions with ductal depende…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Risk Factors for Preoperative Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates with Complex Congenital Heart Disease

Topics

Reviewing Author