Lactate combined with lymphocyte counts as useful predictors for the severity and prognosis of necrotizing enterocolitis: a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) lacks useful biomarkers for early risk stratification. Despite evidence of lactate metabolism and immune dysregulation in NEC pathogenesis, their synergistic diagnostic potential remains underexplored.

Method

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 118 neonates with NEC (2017-2022), stratified into two subgroups: mild NEC (Bell's stage ≤ IIa, n = 59) and severe NEC (Bell's stage ≥ IIb, n = 59). Threshold effects, multivariable logistic regression, and mediation analysis were employed to assess nonlinear relationships and biomarker interaction.

Results

Severe NEC exhibited significantly lower lymphocytes (1.58 vs. 3.71 × 10⁹/L, p < 0.001), increased mechanical ventilation requirements (89.8% vs

SUBMITTER: Huang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12570253 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature