Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease of undefined etiology affecting premature infants. A number of hypotheses have been suggested for NEC, and clusters of cases have been reported in nurseries. During Dec. 1974 and Jan. 1975, 14 cases of NEC occurred in patients admitted to the infant ICU. In the 12 months prior to this period a total of 11 cases of NEC occurred. Distinguishing features of the epidemic group vs. the endemic group are summarized:
Results of a stool culture survey showed an association between Klebsiella colonization and illness. In a 2 month period in 1976 a 2nd clustering of NEC occurred with characteristics similar to those described in the epidemic group above. The awareness of an epidemic form of NEC is important in evaluating the effects of therapy and/or prophylaxis of NEC in premature infants.
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Moomjian, A., Peckham, G., Fox, W. et al. 1000 NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS-ENDEMIC VS. EPIDEMIC FORM. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 530 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01006
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01006