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The Haematology of Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Author(s) -
TUDEHOPE D. I.,
YU V. Y. H.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.1977.tb01150.x
Subject(s) - medicine , disseminated intravascular coagulation , necrotizing enterocolitis , hematology , platelet , exchange transfusion , gastroenterology , polycythaemia , enterocolitis , coagulation testing , partial thromboplastin time , pediatrics
The haematology of forty‐four infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has been reviewed. Normal values for neutrophil, band cell and platelet counts as well as coagulation profiles have been defined for normal term and preterm infants at varying postnatal ages. In NEC, the absolute neutrophil count was of no diagnostic or prognostic significance but serial counts were useful in following the course of disease process. Band cell and platelet counts were strong predictors of onset of disease and both were significantly different in infants who died compared with those who survived the disease. Disseminated intravascular coagulation occurred in 11% of cases of NEC, all of whom died. Hypovolaemic shock preceded NEC in 5 infants and 3 infants had preexisting polycythaemia. Severe thrombocytopenia was treated with platelet infusions. Exchange transfusion was carried out for disseminated intravascular coagulation.