A significant decrease in hemoglobin concentrations may predict occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants with late-onset sepsis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the clinical value of a decrease in hemoglobin concentration (HC) after the onset of sepsis for predicting occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants with late-onset sepsis.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study between January 2015 and January 2020. Premature neonates (gestational age <37 weeks) with late-onset sepsis (age >3 days) were enrolled. According to the degree of reduction in HC, neonates were divided into the non-decrease group, mild decrease group, and severe decrease group. Demographic data, perinatal conditions, blood cell count analysis, blood culture, and treatment measures were compared.

RESULTS

Eighty premature infants with sepsis were studied. The mortality rate and incidence of NEC were significantly higher in the severe decrease group than in the non-decrease and mild decrease groups. Significant differences were observed in the decrease in HC, red blood cell transfusion, and ventilator application between the NEC and non-NEC groups. A significant decrease in HC was an independent risk factor for NEC in preterm infants with sepsis.

CONCLUSION

A significant decrease in HC is an independent risk factor for NEC and may predict the occurrence of NEC in preterm infants with sepsis.