Necrotizing enterocolitis after recurrent supraventricular tachycardia

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hanna, M.H.

Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author: Dr. Mina H. Hanna, University of Kentucky Children's Hospital, 800 Rose St, MS 471, Lexington, KY 40536, USA. Tel.: +1 859 218 0718; Fax: +1 859 257 6066; E-mail: mina.hanna@uky.edu

Abstract: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) emergency that primarily affects premature infants. In the last decade, there have been significant advances to our understanding of neonatal NEC. The exact etiology of NEC remains unclear, but it is widely considered a multifactorial disease; prematurity, enteral feeding, intestinal hypoxia-ischemia, and bacterial colonization are considered major risk factors. We report a case of a 35 week preterm infant with recurrent episodes of supraventricular tachycardia who developed NEC in the second week of life. This case underscores the importance of being appropriately cautious in the feeding of these high-risk premature infants.

Keywords: Necrotizing enterocolitis, supraventricular tachycardia

DOI: 10.3233/NPM-1372013

Journal: Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 359-361, 2013