Temporal trends in heart rate characteristic index preceding necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.

ABSTRACT: ObjectiveTo evaluate temporal trends in heart rate variability as defined by the Heart Rate Characteristic index (HRCi) preceding necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study of neonates with NEC (Bell Stage II/III) at a tertiary NICU from 2020 to 2024. Continuous HRCi data were extracted for 15 days before and 4 days after NEC diagnosis. HRCi trajectories were analyzed using generalized additive models, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and linear regression. Logistic regression models were fit to daily HRCi with NEC diagnosis day (Day 0) as the binary outcome, adjusting for gestational age, small for gestational age (SGA) status, and birth weight Z-scores. Model discrimination was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves and area unde

SUBMITTER: McCalpin HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12929065 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature