A standardized universal protocol for using adjunct abdominal ultrasound at the time of diagnosis for suspected necrotizing enterocolitis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a highly morbid disease for preterm infants. The use of adjunct abdominal ultrasonography improves the evaluation of early or uncertain cases of NEC. No institutions have reported implementing a standardized adjunct abdominal ultrasound guideline and universally adopting adjunct abdominal ultrasound in routine neonatal practice for the evaluation of NEC.

Objective

To determine if a standardized, adjunct abdominal ultrasound guideline for diagnosing NEC is feasible and beneficial for the routine detection of pathologic abdominal findings in NEC.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study was conducted in an 82-bed level IV academic neonatal intensive care unit from February 2023-April 2024. Unit guidelines were upd

SUBMITTER: Hegedus C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12708678 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature