Resident MD Weill Cornell Medicine Brooklyn, New York, United States
Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality in premature infants. There are several risk factors associated with the development of NEC, including prematurity, low birth weight, formula feeding and prolonged course of antibiotics. Although there is a higher incidence of NEC in twin pregnancies, there is limited literature available in which there is a comparison of characteristics between twins who develop NEC versus those who do not. In this case control trial, we analyzed the characteristics of NEC in premature twin pregnancies and their placental pathology to further our understanding in the pathogenesis of this disease in this vulnerable population. Objective: To describe the clinical and placental pathologic characteristics of NEC in twin neonates using case control trial. Design/Methods: A retrospective case control trial to study preterm twins who developed NEC in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between 2012-2023. Placental pathology results were obtained from each neonate and compared to evaluate for risk of NEC in these infants. Maternal and fetal variables were compared to describe clinical characteristics, while placental pathology variables such as chorioamnionitis, vascular changes, size and dimensions were evaluated for pathological characteristics.
