Search

Objective: To know the association of abdominal ultrasound findings in preterm newborns with necrotizing enterocolitis. Method: Transverse, analytical study, patients with necrotizing enterocolitis abdominal ultrasound was performed: free fluid, large wall more than 2.5 mm, small bowel wall less than 1.1 mm, gas in portal vein, intestinal pneumatosis, decreased and/or absence of peristalsis, increase and/or absence of intestinal blood infusion. Chi square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to establish association ultrasound findings and necrotizing enterocolitis, alpha level < 0.05, SPSS v.23.0 program. Results: 37 patients. IA stage: small intestine wall less than 1.1 mm with a total of 15 (40%), 13 (35%) decreased peristalsis 11 (29%), absence of peristalsis 8 (21.62%). IB stage: free liquid, increased blood infusion 2 (5%). IIA stage: peristalsis decreased 7 (18%), small intestine wall less than 1.1 mm 4 (10%), free liquid 3 (8%), pneumatosis 2 (5%), absent blood infusion 1 (2%). IIIA stage: 1 (2%) free liquid, thinning of small intestine wall less than 1.1 mm, absence of peristalsis and blood infusion. Conclusion: There is an association of ultrasonographic findings in patients with necrotizing enterocolitis. Most frequent finding: small bowel wall less than 1.1 mm, free fluid, decreased peristalsis. It would be important to implement it as a diagnostic method in all cases for medical and surgical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]