Prevalence and Risk factor for severity of Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn in Nakhonphanom hospital

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors for severity of Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn in Nakhonphanom Hospital.

Methods: Data were collected from newborn patients in neonatal ward diagnosed with Necrotizing enterocolitis from 1^st January 2021 to 31^th December 2025 in Nakhonphanom hospital.

Results: The sample consisted of 42 neonatal patients diagnosed with Necrotizing enterocolitis 22 males (52.4%) and 20 females (47.6%). The mean gestational age was 32.52 ± 4.09 weeks. The mean birth weight was 1681.55 ± 775.50 grams. Maternal condition abnormality 31 patients (73.8%) The mean age of symptom onset was 5 days. 31 patients (73.8%) presented with abdominal distension and 9 patients (21.4%) presented with bloody stools. Radiographic abnormalities included bowel dilatation in 36 patients (85.7%) and pneumatosis intestinalis 7 patients (16.7%) pneumoperitoneum 3 patients (7.1%). Classified as NEC stage I 31 patients (73.9%), NEC stage II 4 patients (9.5%), NEC stage III 7 patients (16.7%). 38 patients (90.5%) received conservative treatment, and Surgery 4 patients (9.5%). Six patients (14.3%) died.

Conclusion: Necrotizing enterocolitis usually occurs in preterm newborn, low birth weight, perinatal asphyxia, and history of umbilical catheterization. Symptoms are varied, ranging from abdominal distension, vomiting and bloody stools. Radiographic findings include bowel dilatation and pneumatosis intestinalis. Closed monitoring of abdominal radiographs can indicate disease severity. Early treatment decreases mortality and complications.