Comparison of clinical characteristics and high-risk factors in Australian aboriginal and non-aboriginal neonates with necrotising enterocolitis

In a five-year retrospective data analysis, incidence of >stage II necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) was four times higher in aboriginal (18/125) than non-aboriginal (11/306) neonates, all ≤32 weeks' gestation. Stage III NEC occurred more frequently (10/18 vs 3/11) and related mortality was higher (44.4% vs 0%) in aboriginal than non-aboriginal neonates. Risk factors for NEC-prolonged rupture of membranes (50% vs 9.1%, p=0.01), prematurity (median [range] gestational age: 25 (24-28.5) vs 30 [27-33]) weeks, p=0.02), birth weight (<1 kg 13 [72%] vs 2 [18%], p=0.007) and intrauterine growth retardation (50% vs 0%, p=0.01) occurred more frequently in aboriginal neonates. Though feed type and increments per day were similar, aboriginal neonates received higher volume of feeds/kg/day (median [range]: 154 [145-189] vs 106 [103-134] ml, p<0.05). Condition at delivery and respiratory status before development of NEC were not significantly different.