Abstract
NEC represents one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in LBW, preterm neonates. We evaluated the efficiency of oral mohomeric IgG administration in its prevention and treatment. Twenty-eight newborns of birth weight less than 1500 g and gestational age of less than 34 weeks were randomly studied. According to the protocol used, 500 mg IgG divided in 5 doses was given per os for the first two weeks of life. None of the 15 treated infants developed NEC. In the control group, we had 3 cases of NEC (p<0.05), and 3 babies with GI-transit problems and intestinal distension requiring prolonged fasting. Eight neonates with NEC were randomly assigned to an oral trial of IgG for 15 days with a dosage of 500 mg per day for those weighing less than 1500 g, and 1000 mg for those more than 1500 g. None of the treated newborns needed surgery, all having a positive disease course, and no late complications. Of the four controls, two needed surgery and one abdominal drainage. No newborns in the study died.
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Benini, F., Rubaltelli, F., Griffith, P. et al. NEONATAL NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS (NEC): PREVENTION AND TREATMENT IN LBW INFANTS BY 0RAL IgG ADMINISTRATION. Pediatr Res 26, 520 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198911000-00125
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198911000-00125