Risk Factors for Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates is devastating, and risk-factor identification is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate risk factors for NEC in different gestational age (GA) groups. Methods: Risk factors associated with NEC were investigated using a retrospective case-control design. Patients with Bell's Stage NEC ≥ II were divided into three groups based on GA: I, 34 weeks with congenital heart disease were more likely than controls to have NEC. Conclusion: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and meconium aspiration syndrome may be new risk factors for NEC.

Keywords

• full term
• gestational age
• necrotizing enterocolitis
• neonates
• preterm
• risk factors