Association Between a Decrease in Blood Monocyte Counts and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between absolute monocyte count (AMC) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm neonates and to assess whether a fall in AMC can be used as a biomarker to predict an increased risk for NEC.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective study of preterm neonates with NEC or a first episode of feeding intolerance (FI). Their complete blood count (CBC) was evaluated for AMC at three time points, first at baseline, second at the onset of NEC/FI, and third afterwards. Statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test and the chi-squared test. The p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Of the total 92 newborns, 29 (31.5%) had NEC, while 63 (68.5%) had FI. NEC and FI groups were comparable in gestational age (GA) and birth weight. There was a significant increase in AMC in the FI group (p<0.001) from baseline to the onset of FI. However, the AMC had a fall in the NEC group from baseline to the onset of NEC, which was not statistically significant (p=0.074).

CONCLUSION

A decrease in AMC was associated with the presence of NEC. A fall in the AMC could be a biomarker to identify an increased risk of NEC in preterm neonates with feeding problems.