Risk factors of necrotizing enterocolitis in twin preterm infants

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study was aimed to investigate the risk factors of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in twin preterm infants. Methods The clinical data of 67 pairs of twin preterm infants admitted to the neonatal department of our hospital from January 2010 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected. One of the twins had NEC (Bell II and above) and the other twin without NEC. They were divided into NEC group and control group according to whether NEC occurred or not. Results Univariate analysis showed that NEC was associated with congenital heart disease, small for gestational age, mild asphyxia at birth and feeding intolerance (P < 0.05). Conclusion Occurrence of NEC was associated with congenital heart disease, small for gestational age, and asphyxia at birth. For twin preterm infants with congenital heart disease, small for gestational age, or asphyxia at birth, special attention should be paid to the occurrence of NEC to minimize and avoid the occurrence of NEC.

Keywords

• Necrotizing enterocolitis
• Twins
• Preterm infants
• Risk factors
• Feeding intolerance