A novel scoring system to predict the development of necrotizing enterocolitis totalis in premature infants

Background/PurposeNecrotizing enterocolitis totalis (NEC-totalis) is the severest form of NEC, with mortality rate of almost 100% even in the busiest neonatal centers. Despite such a prognosis, its risk factors remain elusive. We seek to identify clinical and laboratory parameters that differentiate NEC-totalis from NEC, and to use these factors to develop a scoring system to identify patients at risk for NEC-totalis upon presentation.MethodNEC patients were identified from our electronic medical record using ICD9 code. Diagnosis of NEC-totalis was based on operative and autopsy reports. Patients were divided into 2 groups: NEC-but-no-totalis and NEC-totalis. Clinical/laboratory data were obtained for each group. T-test, multivariate logistic regression and backward stepwise regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for NEC-totalis and these risk factors were formulated into a “Totalis Score.”ResultAmong 157 NEC patients, 13 had NEC-totalis. NEC-totalis patients, compared to NEC alone, had fewer platelets, older age at diagnosis of NEC and greater phosphorus and creatinine levels. A 0-5 point scale “Totalis Score” based on these risk factors had sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 78% for the diagnosis of NEC-totalis.ConclusionLow platelet, high phosphorus, high creatinine and older age at diagnosis of NEC were associated with a greater risk of developing NEC-totalis.