To determine whether duration of antibiotic exposure is an independent risk factor for NEC in NICU

Abstract

Introduction: Necrotising enterocolitis is one of the major surgical emergencies of neonates admitted to NICU. The widespread use of antibiotics in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) population may contribute to gut colonization leading to NEC. This study helps in knowing about antibiotic exposure leading to NEC in the NICU. Thus helps in control of NEC. Materials and Methods: A case control study of 84 neonates admitted to NICU was done over a period of 12months at Sri Adichuchanagiri Hospital and Research Centre. Out of these, 28 were cases which had received antibiotics. A detailed examination of the neonates was done to see the correlation between receiving antibiotics and NEC. Results: The incidence of NEC was 5.9% of the neonates admitted to NICU.A significant relation between the use of antibiotics and development of NEC was found. The mean duration of onset of symptoms was 7days.The most common symptom among those affected was abdominal distension. Conclusion: The rampant use of antibiotics in NICU without any specific protocol or guidelines could indirectly harm the baby.NEC has a significant contribution in neonatal deaths and the use of antibiotics unreasonably could be one of the causative factors in acquiring NEC and thus should be used with caution.