The incidence of meningitis in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis.

Although meningitis is common among patients with neonatal sepsis, review of the literature on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) reveals a paucity of information on the association of NEC and meningitis. We report four patients who had meningitis during the course of illness among 238 patients with documented NEC. We recommend that all patients with suspected NEC have a lumbar puncture as part of the diagnostic work-up, as meningitis may require different and prolonged therapy, and will necessitate more specific follow-up for neurodevelopmental problems.