Treatment of intestinal perforation in extremely low-birthweight infants

Incidence of spontaneous intestinal perforations exceeds necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely low birth weight infants fed an exclusive human milk-based diet: A single center experience

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are complications of extremely low birth weight (ELBW, ≤1000 g) infants. ELBW infants at Texas Children's Hospital receive an exclusive human milk-based diet, which has been associated with a reduction of NEC.

OBJECTIVES

1) Assess incidence of SIP and NEC (Stage II or greater) in ELBW infants receiving 100% human milk-based diet, 2) Describe mortality rates of ELBW infants with SIP and NEC.

METHODS

Prospective single-center observational cohort study of ELBW infants born between 2010 and 2014 with SIP or NEC (exclusion: congenital anomalies and death within 48 h).

RESULTS

Of 379 ELBW infants, 345 were eligible. Of these, 28 (8.1%) had SIP and 8 (2.3%) had NEC (medical n = 1, surgical n = 7). SIP infant mortality was 32% (n = 9) compared to 63% (n = 5) for NEC patients. Of SIP infants with PD (n = 25), 52% required subsequent exploratory laparotomy (LAP). Of NEC infants with peritoneal drainage (PD) (n = 2), both required subsequent LAP.

CONCLUSION

Using an exclusive human milk-based diet, the incidence of SIP exceeds NEC in ELBW infants at our institution. This shows a changing trend in the incidence of these two diagnoses in the era of human milk, as NEC had previously been more prevalent in ELBW infants. More than half of infants who initially received PD later required LAP. There were no differences in survival outcomes in both SIP and NEC groups based on surgical management.

Usefulness of peritoneal drainage in extremely low birth weight infants with intestinal perforation: a single-center experience

Purpose

Necrotizing enterocolitis and intestinal perforation are the most common surgical emergency in the neonatal intensive care unit. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if peritoneal drainage (PD) is beneficial in extremely low birth weight infants with intestinal perforation.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of extremely low birth weight infants with a diagnosis of intestinal perforation. They were received primary PD (n = 23, PD group) or laparotomy (n = 13, LAP group). Laboratory and physiologic data were collected and organ failure scores calculated and compared between preprocedure and postprocedures. Data were analyzed using appropriated statistical tests.

Results

Between January 2005 and December 2015, 13 infants (male:female = 9:4) received laparotomy. Of 23 infants (male:female = 16:7) received PD, 20 infants received subsequent laparotomy. There were no demographic differences between PD and LAP groups. And there were no differences in total organ score in either group (PD, P = 0.486; LAP, P = 0.115). However, in LAP group, respiratory score was statistically improved between pre- and postprocedure organ failure score (P = 0.02). In physiologic parameter, PD group had a statistically worsening inotropics requirement (P = 0.025). On the other hand, LAP group had a improvement of PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

PD does not improve clinical status in extremely low birth weight infants with intestinal perforation.

Spontaneous intestinal perforation

So much is unknown about SIP-its etiology, pathophysiology, best treatment modality, and outcome. Yet the incidence of SIP is increasing as more VLBW infants are surviving and since SIP has been identified as a separate disease from NEC. Because many cases present with an insidious onset, it is imperative that practitioners review all x-rays with SIP in mind. Although SIP is a relatively rare occurrence in the NICU, its potential to increase morbidity and mortality in premature infants warrants further research to improve outcomes.