Simple Scoring System that Predicts the Need for Surgical Intervention in Infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis

It is difficult to identify those preterm infants who require surgical intervention. This study examined the predictive factors for bowel resection in infants with definitive and advanced necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We then developed a scoring system to better predict the need for surgical intervention. A total of 203 infants with modified Bell's stage 2 or higher NEC from January 2018–December 2020 were identified for this study. A retrospective study evaluated the association between several comprehensive variables and surgical intervention using a multiple logistic regression analysis, and then a scoring system was developed based on the sum of coefficients (β). Of the 135 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 57 infants underwent a surgical intervention. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that birth weight (regression coefficient, β = 1.30), PCT (β = 2.33), not having received enteral nutrition before the diagnosis of NEC (β = 2.13), acidosis (β = 1.57), respiratory alkalosis (β = 2.42), hypokalemia (β = 2.14), peritonitis (β = 2.87) and coagulation disorders (β = 1.78) were associated with the occurrence of bowel resection. A scoring system ranging from 0–17 was developed based on the total coefficient obtained. It was found that a cut-off score of 5 may distinguish those infants needing surgical intervention from other infants with NEC. We successfully developed a clinical decision-making tool associated with the need for surgical intervention among infants with advanced NEC. The risk scoring system could accurately identify infants who would benefit from surgical intervention.