Clinical analysis of 48 cases of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis on the Tibetan Plateau, China

Objective To study the clinical features, ways of treatment and prognosis of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) on the Tibetan Plateau, improve awareness and prevention of the disease. Methods Forty-eight newborns suffering from NEC who were medically treated in our hospital from January, 2015 to December, 2017 were analyzed in this test.All cases were categorized by modified Bell's classification standard. We compared and analyzed clinical data of these NEC patients including general information, clinical manifestation, treatment, etc. Results Newborns receiving Zanba feeding were 38 cases, there were 20 preterm newborns and 21 male cases in this group. The average birth weight and day of onset were (2 105.53±713.42) g and (7.53±9.26)d. The main clinical features were abdominal distention, abdominal rumbling sound weakening or disappearance and bloody stools. There were 10 newborns with abnormality of leukocyte count, 15 infants with increased CRP, and 6 infants with diminished of blood platelets count. The most common of erect abdominal plain radiograph was bowel dilatation. There were 4 newborns received surgical intervention beside conventional medical treatment. Finally, 38 newborns (79.2%) were cured and 10 newborns (20.8%) were died (including parents giving up). Conclusion Early feeding of Zanba is an important disease factor in NEC on the Tibetan Plateau. The disease is more difficult to treat. We should enhance the understanding and judgment of radiographic features, establish guidelines of anti-infection, strengthen the prevention and early diagnosis.