Necrotizing enterocolitis: long-term follow up of height and weight

A cross-sectional study was made of height and weight growth in children having survived neonatal nectrotizing enterocolitis. Values were compared to standardized growth norms. Retardation in height was noted in 23 fo the 30NEC survivors. Retardation in weight was noted in 21 o f30 NEC survivors. Retardation in height and weight was of great frequency and severity in girls than in boys. A normal relative body weight. Revealing proportionate weight for height, was demonstrated in all NEC survivors. The findings were interpreted in relation to an number of grouping including: gestational age. Birth weight, disease management, part of intestine affected by NEC, complicating persisting disease, duration of initial hospitalization with NEC, and family socioecomic status. The groupings are discussed in relation to their suggest impact or lack thereof on the growth progress of children having survived neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.