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Aim Adding perfusion index (PI) to pulse oximetry screening (POS) may increase neonatal detection of CoA (aortic coarctation). A cut‐off

Aim This study investigated space–time clustering of neonatal necrotising enterocolitis over three decades. Methods Space–time clustering analyses objects that are grouped by a specific place and time. The Knox test and Kulldorff's scan statistic were used to analyse space–time clusters in 808 children diagnosed with necrotising enterocolitis in a national cohort of 2 389 681 children born between 1987 and 2009 in Sweden. The municipality the mother lived in and the delivery hospital defined closeness in space and the time between when the cases were born – seven, 14 and 21 days – defined closeness in time. Results The Knox test showed no indication of space–time clustering at the residential level, but clear indications at the hospital level in all the time windows: seven days (p = 0.026), 14 days (p = 0.010) and 21 days (p = 0.004). Significant clustering at the hospital level was found during 1987–1997, but not during 1998–2009. Kulldorff's scan statistic found seven significant clusters at the hospital level. Conclusion Space–time clustering was found at the hospital but not residential level, suggesting a contagious environmental effect after delivery, but not in the prenatal period. The decrease in clustering over time may reflect improved routines to minimise the risk of contagion between patients receiving neonatal care.

Aim Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of intestinal failure (IF), morbidity and mortality following NEC. Methods We performed a retrospective study of all neonates treated for NEC stage II or greater at a tertiary referral NICU between 2000 and 2009. Demographic data, need for surgery, residual bowel length and rates of bacteraemia, cholestasis, IF and mortality were analysed. Results During the 10-year period, 301 patients were referred with NEC and 152 had surgical intervention. Overall mortality was 32%. Of the 230 infants who survived >42 days, 97 (42%) had IF at 42 days, decreasing to 15% at >90 days. The rate of IF was significantly higher in the surgical group than the medical group (OR 2.04, 95% CI, 1.25–3.35, p