Short summary

The aim of this study is to investigate the possible correlation between postsurgical nutritional treatment in patients with Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) or Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation (SIP) regarding postsurgical feeding type & feeding amount in relation to the patients growth and development. Furthermore a possible correlation between the time for stoma reversal and the patients growth and development is investigated.

Rationale

NEC and SIP are complicated and feared conditions with a high mortility rate which often affects very preterm born babies with a gestational age under 28 weeks. The pathogenesis of NEC and SIP isn't fully understood at this time but a multifactoral etiology with an immature gastrointestinal tract, bacterial overgrowth and intrauterine growth restriction combined with an increased imflammatory and immune response to food intake are widely accepted predisposed factors. As of right now the treatment includes antibiotics, stoma-surgery and enteral nutritional restrictions or pause. As desribed the treatment is complitaced and there is no national or international approved guidelines to secure a standardized treatment.

Description of the cohort

This study is a retrospective cohort study which includes patients born west of Storebælt between 2009 and 2023. In order to participate in this study, surgical intervention for NEC or SIP is required.

Data and biological material

The utilized data in this study is from the patients medical journals and operation notes.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Neonatology, Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital

• Gitte Zachariassen

Research Unit, H. C. Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital

• Kristina Garne Holm

Department of Abdominal Surgery, Odense University Hospital OUH

• Mark Bremholm Ellebæk