Short summary

This pregraduate research project investigates necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) in preterm infants. Using artificial intelligence to analyze retrospective radiology reports, clinical notes and laboratory data, we aim to identify key factors influencing surgical decision-making and thereby contribute to improved diagnostic support in neonatal care.

Rationale

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) are severe neonatal conditions with high morbidity and mortality. The decision to proceed with surgery versus conservative treatment remains challenging and often subjective. Current practice is based on a combination of clinical findings, paraclinical parameters, and radiological descriptions, but their relative importance is unclear. This pregraduate research project applies artificial intelligence to retrospective data from Odense University Hospital. The aim is to determine which factors-clinical, paraclinical, or radiological-carry the greatest weight in surgical decision-making. Improved understanding of this process may contribute to more consistent and evidence-based management of NEC and SIP.

Description of the cohort

The cohort includes preterm infants from Western Denmark (Regions South, Central, and North) diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP). Patients born between 2013 and 2022 and admitted to Odense University Hospital will be included, with data collected retrospectively from health records.

Data and biological material

No biological material will be collected. The study is based on retrospective data from patient records, including demographic information, clinical notes, laboratory results, radiological descriptions, and diagnostic codes from the Danish National Patient Registry.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Research Unit, Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital

• Gitte Zachariassen, MD, PhD, Professor, Consultant in Neonatology
• Mark Bremholm Ellebæk, MD, PhD, Professor, Head Consultant in Surgery
• Natalia Krantz Barkholt, MD, PhD student, Consultant in Pediatrics

Publications associated with the project

The project is expected to result in 1-2 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals within the fields of neonatology, pediatrics, or clinical decision support. Specific titles and journals cannot yet be provided.