Is there an association between necrotizing enterocolitis in premature neonates and functional gastrointestinal disorders later in childhood?. Issue 3 (1st September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rallis, Dimitrios; Saliakellis, Efstratios; Kaselas, Christos; Malakozi, Marina; Spyridakis, Ioannis; Fotoulaki, Maria; Diamanti, Elisavet; Tsakalidis, Christos
• Is Part Of: Neurogastroenterology & motility. Volume 34:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-01
• Subjects: bowel habits -- constipation -- neonatal stress -- prematurity; Gastrointestinal system -- Motility -- Periodicals; Gastrointestinal system -- Innervation -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-1925

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Stressful events during infancy may predispose to the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in childhood. Aims: To evaluate the association of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with childhood FGIDs. Methods: We conducted a study, comparing 29 children of eight to ten years with a history of NEC with 58 children with no history of NEC. Subjects were assessed for FGIDs, based on Rome‐III criteria. Results: Among 29 subjects with NEC, 17 had surgical and 12 conservative NEC. Subjects with surgically, or conservatively managed NEC developed FGIDs at a significantly higher proportion, as compared to children with no history of NEC, later in childhood (41%, 33%, and 13% respectively, p = 0.033). Functional constipation was the most frequently identified disorder (35%, 33%, and 7% respectively). A significant association was detected between FGIDs and the history of perinatal stress ( p = 0.049), NEC ( p = 0.011), and the surgical management of NEC ( p = 0.015). Conclusions: Our study suggests that there is a potential association between NEC and FGIDs later in childhood with functional constipation being the most frequently identified disorder. Abstract : Neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) have a higher frequency of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) later in childhood. The latter highlights NEC's potential role in the pathogenesis of FGIDs.