Obturation intestinal obstruction in the course of necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn children

Abstract

The aim: To analyze our own results of diagnosis and treatment of newborns with NEC and obturation intestinal obstruction in order to determine theoretically important and practically significant recommendations on this issue, to optimize preventive measures for reducing intestinal obstruction cases in NEC and improving treatment outcome among newborns. Materials and methods: Our supervision involved 143 newborns with NEC for the period from 2006 to 2020, including 79 boys (55.24%) and 64 girls (44.76%). Gestational age was 26-42 weeks. The majority of children were premature infants and numbered 121 children (84,62%). The assessment of clinical manifestations, progression of the disease, physical examination of newborns were used to help in diagnosing. All children underwent general clinical tests and instrumental methods of diagnosis including ultrasonography (abdominal organs and retroperitoneum, echocardiography, neurosonography) and X-ray examination (two-dimensional plain abdominal radiography, X-ray contrast study of the gastrointestinal tract). According to the survey, all patients were examined by allied health professionals. Results: Obturation intestinal obstruction associated with NEC was diagnosed in 26 children (18.18%). 12 children were in serious condition, representing 46.15%. The condition of other 14 children (53.85%) was assessed as critical one. The first signs of intestinal obstruction were observed in children with NEC at the end of the first week or at the beginning of the second week of life. Intestinal obstruction was acute in 21 children (80.77%); 5 children (19.23%) had relapsing course. Blood test results showed the inflammatory process and were not specific. According to the results of our observation, the dynamics of platelets is indicative as there is a correlation between the deterioration in the child’s condition and the onset of symptoms of intestinal obstruction and thrombocytopenia. There was an imbalance in protein and electrolyte metabolism – a decrease in the level of albumin, indicators of K, Na, Ca, and an increase of C-reactive protein by several times. Ultrasonography of the abdominal organs showed irregular intestinal pneumatization, dilated intestinal loops with stagnant intestinal contents, pendulum peristalsis, infiltrative bowel wall thickening, free fluid in the abdominal cavity. Plain radiography revealed typical manifestations of small intestinal obstruction with multiple air-fluid levels. In 15 newborns (57.69%), conservative treatment was effective, in particular intestinal obstruction was relieved; 11 newborns (42.31%) underwent surgery. The mortality was 36.36% (4 children died). Postoperative complication in the form of bowel stenosis in the area of the direct anastomosis was observed in 3 patients approximately 2 weeks after the surgery. Conclusions: 1. NEC can lead to the development of obturation intestinal obstruction in newborns. Obturation intestinal obstruction was a form of NEC course in 18.18% of children under our observation. 2. Obturation intestinal obstruction in NEC in newborns is a reversible condition and requires conservative therapy. If symptoms of obstruction persist within 3 days after the start of conservative therapy, surgical treatment is indicated. 3. In case of obturation intestinal obstruction, it is advisable to perform resection of necrotic bowel, formation of a double enterostomy. 4. Enterostomy closure by placing T-shaped intestinal anastomosis should be performed 4 weeks after the primary surgery. 5. The use of modern techniques for early diagnosis and timely treatment of obturation intestinal obstruction in NEC can reduce mortality and the number of postoperative complications. 6. Newborns with NEC should be under the supervision of surgeons, which will help timely determine the indications for surgical intervention.