Am J Perinatol 2017; 34(13): 1368-1374
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603688
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis Incidence, Characteristics, and Outcomes in Neonatal Down Syndrome Patients

Clifford L. Cua
1   Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
,
Urbee Haque
1   Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
,
Yongjie Miao
1   Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
,
Carl H. Backes
1   Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

22 February 2017

02 May 2017

Publication Date:
02 June 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction Neonates with Down syndrome (nDS) have multiple medical issues that may place them at an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The goal of this study was to determine the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of nDS patients that developed NEC.

Methods Data from the Pediatric Health Information Systems database on all nDS were reviewed. Demographics, medical conditions, development of NEC, and mortality were recorded. Patients were divided into nDS patients who developed NEC (nDS-NEC) versus nDS patients who did not develop NEC (nDS-nNEC).

Results Incidence of NEC in nDS patients was 6.6% (381/5,737). Baseline demographic data indicated nDS-NEC patients were more likely to be born earlier, have a diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, Ebstein's anomaly, or a left-sided obstructive lesion versus nDS-nNEC patients. The odds ratio for death in the nDS-NEC patients was 2.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.8–3.3) versus the nDS-NEC patients.

Conclusion The incidence of NEC in nDS patients requiring admission to a children's hospital after birth is much higher than that reported for term infants. Baseline characteristics differ in nDS patients that may place them at a higher risk for NEC. nDS-NEC patients have an increased morbidity and a significantly higher mortality compared with the nDS-nNEC patients.