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Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains to be the most critical and frequent gastrointestinal disorder understood in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The presented study was intended to assess the prevalence of NEC and associated factors among enteral Fed preterm and low birth weight neonates. Institution based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 enteral Fed preterm and low birth weight neonates who were admitted at selected public hospitals of Addis Ababa from March 25/2020 to May 10/2020. The data were collected through neonates’ medical record chart review. A total of 350 participants were enrolled in to the study with the response rate of 99.43%. One hundred eighty-four (52.6%) of them were male. The majority 123 (35.1%) of them were (32 + 1 to 34) weeks gestational age. The prevalence of NEC was (25.4%) (n = 89, [95% CI; 21.1, 30.0]). Being ≤28 weeks gestational age (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI [2.67, 9.97]), being (28 + 1 to 32 weeks) gestational age (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI [2.21, 8.31]), birth weight of 1000 to 1499 g (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI [1.22, 4.33]), APGAR score ≤3 (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI [1.32, 4.16]), prolonged labor (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI [1.35, 6.38]), maternal chronic disease particularly hypertension (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI [1.70, 5.90]), chorioamnionitis (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI [3.9, 13]), failure to breath/resuscitated (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI [1.7, 4.4]), CPAP ventilation (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI [1.50, 12.70]), mixed milk (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI [2.16, 9.32]) were factors significantly associated with NEC. Finally, the prevalence of NEC in the study area was high. So that, initiating the programs that could minimize this problem is required to avoid the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with NEC.

Keywords

prematurity necrotizing enterocolitis low birth weight enteral feeding NICU

Background

NEC is the most common emergency of the gastrointestinal tract happening in the neonatal period.¹ NEC is a global issue that has arisen in the past 25 years as the most common gastrointestinal emergency in neonatal NICU.² NEC is stated as the most common critical gastrointestinal disorder affecting very preterm or very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.³ NEC is the most known life-threatening, acquired gastrointestinal disorder in the newborn infant.⁴ NEC is a common and overwhelming gastrointestinal emergency that mainly affects premature infants.^5-7

NEC is the most recognized lethal gastrointestinal emergency encountered in the NICU.^8,9 The incidence of NEC is 6% to 10% in infants with birth weight less than 1500 g.⁵ The evidence revealed that 7 in 100 of all VLBW infants in NICU are probable to develop NEC.¹⁰ The proportion of NEC among neonates with congenital heart disease was 3.7%.¹¹ NEC is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in extremely LBW infants.¹² The mortality due to NEC has not reduced considerably despite advances in neonatal care and better knowledge of clinical and basic sciences.⁵

In spite of advances in neonatal care, NEC remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among premature infants in ICU.⁸ NEC is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in VLBW infants.¹³ The mortality rate of neonates with NEC leftovers high and is significantly associated with a birth weight category.¹⁴ NEC is related to a substantially worst neurodevelopmental consequence than prematurity alone. The presence of advanced NEC and requirement for surgery rise the risk of neurological impairment.¹⁵ Also, NEC is a costly disease which is responsible for about 20% of NICU costs annually.⁹

The risk factors for NEC are multifactorial.¹⁶ The risk of NEC is found to be inversely proportional to gestational age and weight at birth while fetal growth restriction and compromise may be further specific risk factors.³ Enteral feeding is advanced slowly in preterm neonates considering the risk of NEC. Whereas, prolonged intravenous alimentation in these neonates, however, may rise the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with sepsis, principally in low resource settings.¹⁷ Because of this feeding preterm infants with artificial formula is related to the faster rates of growth, but with a closely doubling of the risk of developing NEC.¹⁸ Breast milk feeding has been related with lower risk of NEC. But, mothers of VLBW infants often get inadequate milk production, this leads to mixed feedings of breast milk and formula.¹³

Formula feeding and prolonged duration of parenteral feeding were related to the augmented risk of NEC.¹⁹ Meconium aspiration syndrome, sepsis, and postnatal asphyxia factors were significantly associated with NEC in preterm infants.²⁰ The early enteral feeding of VLBW preterm babies does not rise the risk of NEC.²¹ Enteral feeding and composition play a major role in the inhibition and treatment of NEC. Giving mother’s own breast milk and standardization of feeding regimens reduced a risk for NEC. There is growing evidence on the providing of specific human milk components and its consequence on the incidence of NEC.²² Early feeding of babies with their own mother’s milk and prevention of bovine-origin products might decrease the risk of NEC, but the absolute decrease is small.²³ Prolonging small feeding volumes early in life declines the incidence of NEC in VLBW infants.²⁴

As explained above, the burden of NEC is growing worldwide. However, there is a lack of studies that have addressed the prevalence of NEC and associated factors among enteral fed preterm and LBW neonates in the study area and even in our country Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of NEC and associated factors among enteral fed preterm and LBW neonates. The findings of the present study would aware the hospitals, healthcare professionals, government, stakeholders, and the researchers.

Objectives

General Objective

To assess prevalence and associated factors of necrotizing enterocolitis among enteral fed preterm and low birth weight neonates admitted in selected public hospitals neonatal intensive care unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Specific Objectives

To assess the prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis among enteral fed preterm and low birth weight neonates admitted in selected public hospitals intensive care unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

To identify factors associated with necrotizing enterocolitis among enteral fed preterm and low birth weight neonates admitted in selected public hospitals intensive care unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

Study Area and Period

The study conducted in governmental hospitals that found in Addis Ababa capital city of Ethiopia. Recently, the city has thirteen public hospitals. Out of these, 9 of them are delivering neonatal intensive care services. From these 9 hospitals the study was done on only 3 of them selecting it with lottery method. Namely, they were Tikur Anbesa specialized hospital, Gandhi memorial hospital, and Yekatit 12 hospital medical college. The total number of preterm, very preterm, and very low birth weight infant’s average annual admission in Gandhi memorial hospital (GMH), Yekatit 12 hospital medical college (Y12HMC) and Tikur Anbesa specialized hospital (TASH) were 425, 650, and 820 respectively, at the current time. These made a total of 1895 preterm admission per year within these 3 hospitals only. The study was conducted from March 25/2020 to May 10/2020.

Study Design

An institution based retrospective cross-sectional study with document review method was used among preterm, very preterm, low birth weight, and VLBW infants who were admitted to the NICU of selected public hospitals.

Source of Population

The source of population included all neonates’ card who were admitted and treated in the NICUs of selected hospitals.

Study Population

The study population included all preterm, very preterm, low birth weight and VLBW infants’ cards who were admitted to the NICU from January 2019 to January 2020 and who fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion criteria

All preterm neonates’ cards <37 completed weeks of gestation and birth weight below 2500 g neonate’s card were admitted in neonatal intensive care unit. All very preterm and VLBW infants’ card between the ages of birth to discharge who were admitted to the selected hospitals NICU from January 2019 to January 2020 for whom, gestational age and weight parameters were available and stayed for more than 72 hours were included in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Preterm neonates’ cards who died or were discharged before 72 hours of age, and neonates’ cards for whom the gestational age and weight measurements and/or other relevant clinical data were not documented or were incomplete were excluded from the study.

Sample Size Determination

The sample size was calculated by using a single population proportion formula. Due to absence of studies done in Ethiopia, the prevalence was considered to be 50% to calculate the sample size. The single proportion formula is stated as: $n = \frac{{(z \frac{α}{2})}^{2} P (1 - P)}{d^{2}}$ Where;

Zα /2 = 1.96 (Z = score corresponds to 95% confidence level)

P = prevalence (50% is preferred to obtain the largest possible sample size)

d = margin of error (0.05)

N = total population

n = required sample size

$n = \frac{{(1.96)}^{2} x (0.5) x (1 - 0.5)}{{(0.05)}^{2}}$ = 384 . Since the study population was <10 000, a correction formula $n f = \frac{n}{1 + \frac{n}{N}}$ was used. So that, $n f = \frac{384}{1 + \frac{384}{1895}}$ = 319.3 . Considering 10% non-response rate the final sample size was approximately 352 .

Sampling Technique and Procedures

A simple random sampling technique was used to select the hospitals and study participants’ medical record chart for document review. There were a total of 13 public hospitals in Addis Ababa city, of which 9 public hospitals were giving NICU service while the rest were not. Out of those 9 public hospitals, 3 public hospitals were selected by using simple random sampling (lottery) method. The total number of preterm, very preterm, and very low birth weight infant’s average annual admission were GMH (425), Y12HMC (650), and TASH (820). The calculated sample size was proportionally allocated for each hospital (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Schematic presentation of sampling procedure from each selected hospitals Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020 (n = 350).

Study variables

Dependent variable

Prevalence of Necrotizing enterocolitis

Independent variables

New born factors: Gender, birth weight, IUGR, Gestational age, Place of birth, APGAR score.

Prenatal and intrapartum: Chorioamnionitis, Maternal chronic disease /Hypertension, Prolonged labor, Perinatal asphyxia, Placental abruption, and Use of steroids.

Enteral feeding: Age of milk fed started and type of milk fed used by neonates.

Clinical variables: Antibiotic use, respiratory distress syndrome, diagnosed with early or late onset infection, Use of CPAP Ventilation, Congenital malformation, and Blood transfusion.

Operational Definition

Necrotizing enterocolitis cases: In the present study, it refers to a medical diagnosis of the neonate’s stated as NEC by the physician on the neonate’s medical record chart.

Confirmed necrotizing enterocolitis: Is declared when a medical diagnosis of the neonate’ card is stated as stage II or stage III NEC by the physician in the neonate’s medical record chart or NEC diagnosed with confirmed evidence through abdominal X-ray finding which suggested the NEC.^25-29

No necrotizing enterocolitis: Is declared when the neonates’ card has no diagnosis of NEC by the physician or have no any abdominal X-ray finding for NEC during document review.

Data Collection Instrument

Structured document review questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaires were adapted after an intense review of the related literatures^25-30 and being modified to the local context and to the research objective. It was prepared in English language.

Data Collection Procedure

Data were collected by trained 3 BSc nurses and supervised by 2 MSc nurses. Chart numbers of infants’ card admitted to the NICU of selected public hospitals from January 1, 2019 to January 30, 2020 were retrieved from the NICU HMIS and medical record storeroom. Selection was made according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Data Quality Control

The quality of data was assured by using pre-test of the questionnaire on 5% of the calculated sample size in Zewditu memorial hospital to check for their accuracy and consistency prior to data collection period. Then the necessary modifications were made accordingly. Data collectors and supervisors were trained for 1 day on the data collection instrument and data collection procedure. The reliability of the questionnaire was checked by the reliability analysis and a cronbach’s alpha value was 0.89 which shows a reliable tool. Moreover, the supervisors and principal investigator were offered a feedback on daily basis for the data collectors. Finally, the collected data were checked carefully on a regular basis.

Data Processing and Analysis

The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6.0.5 and then it was exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 (IBM Corporation, North Castle Drive, Armonk, NY, USA) for statistical analysis for further analysis. Descriptive statics such as frequency, percentage, means, and standard deviation was used to describe the data.

Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to find associated between dependent and independent variables. All independent variables with P-value of <.25 in bivariable logistic regression analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression model to identify variables associated with NEC. Both crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to display the strength of the association. Model fitness was checked by Hosmer-Lemeshow’s goodness-of-fit test for NEC while the result was P-value = .543. Finally, P < .05 were considered statistically significant.

Result

Characteristics of the Neonates Admitted to NICU

A total of 350 participants were enrolled in to the study resulting in the response rate of 99.43%. More than half 184 (52.6%) of them were male. The majority 290 (82.9%) of them were born in the hospitals of a study area. About 46 (13.1%) of them were faced IUGR. The majority 123 (35.1%) of them were (32 + 1 to 34) weeks gestational age (Table 1).

Table 1.

Characteristics of Neonates Admitted to NICU in Selected Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020 (n = 350).

Variables	Categories		Frequency	Percent
Gender	Male		184	52.6
Gender	Female		166	47.4
Place of birth	Born in study area		290	82.9
Place of birth	Born out of study area		60	17.1
IUGR	Yes		46	13.1
IUGR	No		304	86.9
Gestational age in weeks	≤28 weeks		15	4.3
	28 + 1 to 32 weeks		114	32.6
	32 + 1 to 34 weeks		123	35.1
	34 + 1 to 36 + 6		98	28
Birth weight classification	LBW (1500-2499 g)		186	53.1
	VLBW (1000-1499 g)		115	32.9
	ELBW (<1000 g)		49	14
APGAR score	≤3		16	4.6
	4-6		165	47.1
	≥7		169	48.3
Descriptive statistics	Minimum	Maximum	Mean	Std. D
Age at admission to NICU/hours	0.08	192.00	5.6407	20.17970

Prenatal and Intrapartum Factors

The majority of 199 (56.9%) of them were delivered through cesarean section.

About199 (56.9%) of neonates were born from primipara mother. Among 350 study subject of neonate’s mother, 67 (19.1%) of them had a prolonged labor and 65 (18.6%) of neonate’s mothers had a maternal chronic disease during pregnancy (Table 2).

Table 2.

Prenatal and Intrapartum Factors in Selected Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020 (n = 350).

Variables	Categories	Frequency	Percent
Mode of delivery	Spontaneous vaginal delivery	148	42.3
	Cesarean section	199	56.9
	Instrumental Assisted	3	0.9
Parity	Primipara	199	56.9
Parity	Multipara	151	43.1
Prolonged labor	Yes	67	19.1
Prolonged labor	No	283	80.9
Maternal chronic disease during pregnancy/hypertension	Yes	65	18.6
Maternal chronic disease during pregnancy/hypertension	No	285	81.4
Presence of maternal infection during pregnancy	Yes	123	35.1
Presence of maternal infection during pregnancy	No	227	64.9
Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)	Yes	117	33.4
Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)	No	233	66.6
Chorioamnionitis	Yes	30	8.6
Chorioamnionitis	No	320	91.4
UTI, fever, abdominal pain, foul-vaginal discharge during pregnancy	Yes	9	2.6
	No	341	97.4
Mother took any drug during pregnancy	Yes	177	50.6
Mother took any drug during pregnancy	No	173	49.4
Use of Antenatal antibiotics	Yes	148	42.3
Use of Antenatal antibiotics	No	202	57.7
Use of Magnesium sulfate	Yes	35	10
Use of Magnesium sulfate	No	315	90
Use of Steroid drugs	Yes	60	17.1
Use of Steroid drugs	No	290	82.9
Babies’ birth related complications	Yes	56	16
Babies’ birth related complications	No	294	84
Antepartum hemorrhage/abruption placenta	Yes	20	5.7
Antepartum hemorrhage/abruption placenta	No	330	94.3
Umbilical cord prolapses	Yes	2	0.6
Umbilical cord prolapses	No	348	99.4
Meconium aspiration syndrome	Yes	11	3.1
Meconium aspiration syndrome	No	339	96.9
Perinatal asphyxia with any stage of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy	Yes	30	8.6
	No	320	91.4

Description of Neonates’ Characteristics by Enteral Milk Feed Initiation

The majority 326 (93.1%) of them were received trophic feeding. Most 287 (82%) of them were fed breast milk. The higher proportions 276 (78.9%) of admitted premature neonates to neonatal ICU has been fed by NGT. About 271 (77.4%) of the baby established full enteral milk feeds. Concerning to the enteral feed volume before onset of NEC; 179 (51.1%) of them done trophic feeding (Table 3).

Table 3.

Description of Neonates’ Characteristics by Enteral Milk Feed Initiation in Selected Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020 (n = 350).

Variables	Categories		Frequency		Percent
Babies have received trophic feeds during Postnatal admission to NICU	Yes		326		93.1
	No		24		6.9
Type of milk feeding	Breast milk feed		287		82
	Formula milk		27		7.7
	Mixed milk feed		36		10.3
Mode of feeding	Cup		27		7.7
	Direct breast		47		13.4
	NGT feed		276		78.9
Baby established full enteral milk feeds	Yes		271		77.4
Baby established full enteral milk feeds	No		79		22.6
Babies have feeding intolerance	Yes		83		23.7
Babies have feeding intolerance	No		267		76.3
Enteral feed volume before onset of NEC	Full feeding		100		28.6
	Trophic feeding		179		51.1
	NPO		71		20.3
If the baby establishes weight gain	Yes		117		33.4
If the baby establishes weight gain	No		233		66.6
Descriptive statistics	N	Minimum	Maximum	Mean	Std. Deviation
Duration of parenteral (IV MF) nutrition by days	350	1.00	38.00	6.3829	5.83800
Age of trophic enteral feeding started /hours	326	1.000	240.000	34.5429	34.6286
First enteral feed volume used to start trophic feeding by ml/kg/day	326	2.00	86.00	18.0000	13.5789
Age of full Enteral feed established	271	1.00	58.00	6.4871	6.45087
Duration of NGT feeding bay day	252	1.00	64.00	7.7421	7.88266
Age baby establish weight gain	117	3	66	14.196	9.508

Description of Clinical Factors to the Diagnosis of NEC

From the study neonates admitted to NICU, 14 (4.0%) of them had congenital anomalies. Eighty-three (24.9%) of them had developed failure to breath or resuscitated after birth. Two hundred fifty-seven (73.4%) of them had a respiratory distress. Three hundred twenty-one (91.7%) of them had diagnosed with early/late onset neonatal sepsis. About 31(8.9%) of them had blood/exchange transfusion in the 48 hours prior to NEC diagnosis (Table 4).

Table 4.

Description of Clinical Factors to the Diagnosis of NEC on Premature and Low Birth Weight Infants in Selected Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020 (n = 350).

Variables	Categories		Frequency		Percent
Baby have Congenital anomalies	Yes		14		4
Baby have Congenital anomalies	No		336		96
Failure to breath/Resuscitation after birth	Yes		87		24.9
Failure to breath/Resuscitation after birth	No		263		75.1
Presence of Respiratory distress	Yes		257		73.4
Presence of Respiratory distress	No		93		26.6
Use of CPAP support	Yes		220		62.9
Use of CPAP support	No		130		37.1
Baby have diagnosed with Early/Late onset neonatal sepsis	Yes		321		91.7
Baby have diagnosed with Early/Late onset neonatal sepsis	No		29		8.3
Baby receive antibiotics	Yes		326		93.1
Baby receive antibiotics	No		24		6.9
Did the baby have diagnosed with NEC?	Yes		89		25.4
Did the baby have diagnosed with NEC?	No		261		74.6
Blood/exchange transfusion in the 48 hours prior to NEC diagnosis	Yes		31		8.9
	No		319		91.1
Leukocytosis/Leukopenia during diagnosis of NEC	Yes		30		8.6
Leukocytosis/Leukopenia during diagnosis of NEC	No		320		91.4
Anemia during diagnosis of NEC	Yes		28		8
Anemia during diagnosis of NEC	No		322		92
Thrombocytopenia during diagnosis of NEC	Yes		60		17.1
Thrombocytopenia during diagnosis of NEC	No		290		82.9
Outcome of NEC	Improved		49		14
	Death		40		11.4
	Unknown		261		74.6
Descriptive statistics	N	Minimum	Maximum	Mean	Std. D
Duration of CPAP used by day	220	1	24	4.49	2.924
Total number of antibiotics days prior to diagnosis of NEC	89	1.00	46.00	8.15	6.007
Day of life at diagnosis of NEC; specify by day	89	2.00	46.00	8.49	5.761

Prevalence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

The prevalence of NEC among enteral fed preterm and low birth weight neonates admitted in selected public hospitals intensive care unit was (25.4%) (n = 89, 95% CI, [21.1, 30.0]) (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

The prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis among enteral fed preterm and low birth weight neonates admitted in selected public hospitals intensive care unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020 (n = 350).

Factors Associated with Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Bivariable logistic regression analysis was done to find variables associated with NEC. All independent variables with P-value of <.25 in bivariable logistic regression analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression model to identify variables associated with NEC.

Gestational age, birth weight, gender, APGAR score, IUGR, prolonged labor, maternal chronic disease /Hypertension, maternal infection, chorioamnionitis, mother took drug, steroid drug, failure to breath/resuscitated, respiratory distress syndrome, use of CPAP ventilation, received trophic feed, age of milk fed started, type of milk fed used by neonates were entered into multivariable logistic regression model. Gestational age, birth weight, APGAR score, prolonged labor, maternal chronic disease /hypertension, chorioamnionitis, failure to breath/resuscitated, use of CPAP ventilation, and type of milk fed used by neonates were factors significantly associated with NEC.

Likewise, neonates who had APGAR score ≤3 were 2.34 times (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI [1.32, 4.16]) more likely to have a NEC when compared to neonates who had APGAR score ≥7. The odds of having a NEC among neonates who were born from mothers who had prolonged labor were 2.21 times (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI [1.35, 6.38]) higher than neonates who were not born from mothers who had prolonged labor.

Besides, the likelihood of having a NEC among neonates who were born from mothers who were with maternal chronic disease particularly hypertension was 3.2 times (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI [1.70, 5.90]) higher than their contraries. Neonates who were born from mothers who were with Chorioamnionitis were 4.8 times (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI [3.9, 13]) more likely to have a NEC when compared to their contraries. The odds of having a NEC among neonates who were faced failure to breath/resuscitated were 2.1times (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI [1.7, 4.4]) higher than neonates who were not faced failure to breath/resuscitated.

Furthermore, the likelihood of having a NEC among neonates who had CPAP ventilation were 3.7 times (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI [1.50, 12.70]) higher than neonates who had not CPAP ventilation. The odds of having a NEC among neonates who fed mixed milk were 3.58 times (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI [2.16, 9.32]) more likely than neonates who fed breast/human milk (Table 5).

Table 5.

Bivariate and Multivariate Analysis of Factors Associated with Necrotizing Enterocolitis Among Enteral Fed Preterm and Low Birth Weight Neonates Admitted in NICU of Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020 (n = 350).

Variables	Category	Necrotizing enterocolitis (%)		COR (95% CI)	AOR (95% CI)	P-value
Variables	Category	Yes	No	COR (95% CI)	AOR (95% CI)	P-value
Gestational age	≤28 weeks	7 (46.7)	8 (53.3)	8.65 (2.54, 29.43)	3.94 (2.67, 9.97)	.004
	28 + 1 to 32 weeks	37 (32.5)	77 (67.5)	4.75 (2.16, 10.47)	3.65 (2.21, 8.31)	.021
	32 + 1 to 34 weeks	36 (29.3)	87 (70.7)	4.09 (1.86, 8.99)	2.26 (0.70, 9.66)	.237
	34 + 1 to 36 + 6	9 (9.2)	89 (90.8)	1	1
Birth weight (in grams)	<1000	19 (38.8)	30 (61.2)	3.43 (1.71, 6.89)	1.58 (0.73, 4.85)	.217
	1000 to 1499	41 (35.7)	74 (64.3)	3.00 (1.73, 5.19)	2.29 (1.22, 4.33)	.012
	1500 to 2499	29 (15.6)	157 (84.4)	1	1
Gender	Male	52 (28.3)	132 (71.7)	1.4 (0.80, 2.20)	1.36 (0.79, 2.33)	.265
Gender	Female	37 (22.3)	129 (77.7)	1	1
APGAR score	≤3	5 (31.3)	11 (68.8)	2.3 (0.74, 7.10)	2.34 (1.32, 4.16)	.004
	4-6	56 (33.9)	109 (66.1)	2.6 (1.54, 4.34)	1.48 (0.39, 5.49)	.558
	≥7	28 (16.6)	141 (83.4)	1	1
IUGR	Yes	15 (32.6)	31 (67.4)	1.5 (0.77, 2.90)	1.3 (0.62, 2.84)	.460
IUGR	No	74 (24.3)	230 (75.7)	1	1
Prolonged labor	Yes	24 (35.8)	43 (64.2)	1.9 (1.06, 3.31)	2.21 (1.35, 6.38)	.006
Prolonged labor	No	65 (23)	218 (77)	1	1
Maternal chronic disease /Hypertension	Yes	30 (46.2)	35 (53.8)	3.26 (1.72, 6.17)	3.2 (1.70, 5.90)	.000
Maternal chronic disease /Hypertension	No	59 (20.7)	226 (79.3)	1	1
Maternal infection	Yes	39 (31.7)	84 (68.3)	1.6 (1.04, 2.70)	1.5 (0.90, 2.50)	.136
Maternal infection	No	50 (22)	177 (78)	1	1
Chorioamnionitis	Yes	22 (73.3)	8 (26.7)	10.38 (4.43, 24.36)	4.8 (3.9, 13)	.000
Chorioamnionitis	No	67 (20.9)	253 (79.1)	1	1
Mother took drug	Yes	53 (29.9)	124 (70.1)	1.6 (0.99, 2.65)	1.1 (0.24, 4.90)	.907
Mother took drug	No	36 (20.8)	137 (79.2)	1	1
Steroid drug	Yes	23 (38.3)	37 (61.7)	2.1 (1.17, 3.8)	1.5 (0.7, 3.1)	.288
Steroid drug	No	66 (22.8)	224 (77.2)	1	1
Failure to breath/resuscitated	Yes	33 (37.9)	54 (62.1)	2.3 (1.3, 3.8)	2.1 (1.7, 4.4)	.003
Failure to breath/resuscitated	No	56 (21.3)	207 (78.7)	1	1
Respiratory distress Syndrome	Yes	77 (30)	180 (70)	2.9 (1.5, 5.6)	0.34 (0.07, 1.63)	.177
Respiratory distress Syndrome	No	12 (12.9)	81 (87.1)	1	1
Use of CPAPventilation	Yes	75 (34.1)	145 (65.9)	4.3 (2.31, 7.99)	3.7 (1.50, 12.70)	.012
Use of CPAPventilation	No	14 (10.8)	116 (89.2)	1	1
Received trophic feed	Yes	78 (23.9)	248 (76.1)	0.37 (0.14, 0.86)	0.49 (0.19, 1.28)	.149
Received trophic feed	No	11 (45.8)	13 (54.2)	1	1
Age of milk fed started	≤24 hours	50 (23.0)	167 (77.0)	0.57 (0.26, 1.27)	1.2 (0.29, 4.76)	.804
	25-48 hours	18 (25.7)	52 (74.3)	0.66 (0.27, 1.63)	0.51 (0.09, 2.70)	.431
	49-72 hours	10 (32.3)	21 (67.7)	0.91 (0.32, 2.59)	1.44 (0.28, 7.26)	.658
	>72 hours	11 (34.4)	21 (65.6)	1	1
Type of milk fed used by neonates	Human milk	50 (17.4)	237 (82.6)	1	1
	Formula milk	16 (59.3)	11 (40.7)	6.70 (3.02, 15.75)	2.24 (0.67, 10.12)	.680
	Mixed milk	23 (63.9)	13 (36.1)	8.39 (3.98, 17.68)	3.58 (2.16, 9.32)	.000

Number in bold indicates statistically significant (P < .05), number 1 represents the reference category.

Abbreviations: COR, crude odds ratio; AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence interval; CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure; APGAR, appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration; IUGR, intrauterine growth restriction.

Discussions

The present study was done to determine the prevalence of NEC and associated factors among enteral fed preterm and low birth weight neonates. This is because, knowing the prevalence of NEC and associated factors is a cornerstone for NEC management in order to control the burden of NEC because of its associated morbidity and mortality is growing substantially across the worldwide. The present study revealed that the prevalence of NEC among enteral fed preterm and low birth weight neonates was 25.4% (n = 89, 95% CI [21.1, 30.0]).

The present study finding was higher than a prospective cross-sectional survey conducted in the United Kingdom which reported the prevalence of NEC as 1.8% for winter period and 2.1% for summer period.²⁵ The variation might be due to the difference in study design which was prospective cross-sectional survey for the study of United Kingdom but retrospective cross-sectional document review for the present study. Besides, the difference could also be due to the difference in the level of economic growth, the United Kingdom is economically developed country whereas, unfortunately Ethiopia is economically developing country. In fact, this could have huge effect on the quality of healthcare service.

The present study finding was also higher than the study done in United States which has been reported the prevalence of NEC as 7%.²⁶ The difference might be due to that the differences in population segment, while the study of United States includes only the very low birth weight infants. Furthermore, there could be healthcare disparities which would have the great impacts since United States is economically developed countries.

The present study finding was also higher than a retrospective cohort study conducted in Duke intensive care nursery which was reported the incidence of NEC as 10.7%.²⁸ The possible explanation could be due to that the difference in population segment while the study of Duke intensive care nursery was included only very-low-birth-weight infants. The present study finding was also higher than the study done in Soroka University Medical Center results which reported the prevalence of NEC 8.0%.³⁰ The variation might be due to that the difference in population segment while the study of Soroka University Medical Center was included only very-low-birth-weight infants.

The present study finding was higher than the study conducted in National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network which reported the prevalence of proven NEC 10.1%.²⁹ The variation might be due to that the difference in population segment while the study of National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network was included only very-low-birth-weight infants. The present study finding was higher than the study done in China which reported the prevalence of NEC 4.87%.³¹ The possible justification could be that due to the healthcare disparities whereas the China has highly improved with their economic development when compared with that of Ethiopia, the poor country.

The odds of having a NEC among neonates who aged ≤28 weeks gestational age and (28 + 1 to 32 weeks) were 3.94 times (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI [2.67, 9.97]) and 3.65 times (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI [2.21, 8.31]) higher than neonates aged (34 + 1 to 36 + 6 weeks) of gestational age, respectively. This finding was supported by a systematic review which reported that low gestational age was a significant prognostic factors for NEC.³² This finding was also supported by the study conducted in Swedish which reported that different patterns of associations were seen in the subgroups of different gestational age and NEC.³³ This might be due to that the smaller the gestational age of the neonates, the immature their immunity system. In fact, as the gestational age of the neonate increases, their immunity system get matures and would have the potential to protect them from different problems.

The likelihood of having a NEC among neonates who had birth weight of (1000-1499 g) were 2.29 times (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI [1.22, 4.33]) folds more as compared with neonates who had birth weight of (1500-2499) g. This finding was supported by the study done in National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network which reported birth weight as significant risk factors for NEC.²⁸ This finding was also supported by a systematic review which reported that a low birth weight was a significant prognostic factors for NEC.³² This finding was also supported by the study conducted in Swedish which reported that birth weight has an association with NEC.³³ This finding was also supported by study done on predictors of NEC in preterm growth-restricted neonates showed that birth weight remains the predominant risk factor for NEC.³⁴ This finding was also supported by a research done in Polish which has been reported that a high risk of developing NEC is closely associated with VLBW.³⁵ This might be due to that the low birth weight could indicate the problem associated with nutrition. Whereas, the nutrition has a great effect on the maturity of the immunity system of the neonates.

Neonates who had APGAR score ≤3 were 2.34 times (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI [1.32, 4.16]) more likely to have a NEC when compared to neonates who had APGAR score ≥7. This finding was supported by a retrospective case-control study which has been found that NEC infants had a significantly higher frequency of APGAR score <7 at 1 and 5 minutes when compared with the control group.³⁶ This finding was also supported by a prospective multicenter investigation conducted in United States which has been reported that APGAR score deterioration were a determinants factor for NEC.³⁷

The odds of having a NEC among neonates who were born from mothers who had a prolonged labor were 2.21 times (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI [1.35, 6.38]) higher than neonates who were not born from mothers who had prolonged labor. This finding was supported by a research done in Polish which has been reported that a high risk of developing NEC is closely associated with inflammation of the amnion during labor.³⁵ This finding was also supported by a retrospective case-control study which has been found that NEC infants had a significantly higher frequency of prolonged rupture of membranes when compared with the control group.³⁶ So that, considering these findings as a contribution if a prolonged labor is occurred it will further facilitate the spread of infection while this could have the large contribution for the risk of NEC development. Furthermore, this might be described as maternal infection and prolonged labor increase the potential of neonatal infection which results in increased determinant factors of NEC.

The likelihood of having a NEC among neonates who were born from mothers who were with maternal chronic disease particularly hypertension was 3.2 times (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI [1.70, 5.90]) higher than contraries. This finding was supported by the study done in Soroka University Medical Center which reported that maternal hypertension was an independent risk factor for the development of NEC in preterm neonates of very-low-birth-weight.³⁰ This finding was also supported by the study conducted in Swedish which reported that preeclampsia has an association with NEC.³³ In fact, maternal vascular disorders may play a significant role in the development of NEC.

Neonates who were born from mothers who were with chorioamnionitis were 4.8 times (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI [3.9, 13]) more likely to have a NEC when compared to their contraries. This finding was supported by the study conducted in Morristown Memorial Hospital, New Jersey showed that histological chorioamnionitis substantially rises the risk of earlier delivery and neonatal mortality and vascular and coagulation placental findings rise the risk of NEC.³⁸ This finding was also supported by the systematic review and meta-analysis which indicated that chorioamnionitis was a risk factor for NEC.³⁹ This finding was also supported by a retrospective case-control study which has been found that NEC infants had a significantly higher frequency of chorioamnionitis when compared with the control group.³⁶

The odds of having a NEC among neonates who were faced failure to breath/resuscitated were 2.1 times (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI [1.7, 4.4]) higher than neonates who were not faced failure to breath/resuscitated. This finding was supported by a retrospective case-control study which has been found that NEC infants had a significantly higher frequency of respiratory problems when compared with the control group.³⁶

The likelihood of having a NEC among neonates who had CPAP ventilation were 3.7 times (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI [1.50, 12.70]) higher than neonates who had not CPAP ventilation. This finding was supported by a systematic review which reported that assisted ventilation was a significant prognostic factors for NEC.³²

The odds of having a NEC among neonates who fed mixed milk were 3.58 times (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI [2.16, 9.32]) more likely than neonates who fed breast/human milk. This finding was supported by a study conducted in Intermountain Healthcare which reported that the prevalence of NEC during the first week could be decreased by feeding them human milk exclusively.²⁷ This finding was also supported by a retrospective analysis which reported human milk should always be the diet of choice in preterm infants. The use of human milk is associated with a lower rates of NEC.⁴⁰ This finding was also supported by a systematic review which reported human milk should be used when possible to decrease the incidence of NEC.⁴¹ The possible justification could be that human milk has very important protective factors for various problems including the intestinal mucosal layer of the neonates.

Conclusion

The present study revealed that the prevalence of NEC among infants was high. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed; Gestational age, birth weight, APGAR score, prolonged labor, maternal chronic disease/hypertension, chorioamnionitis, failure to breath/resuscitated, use of CPAP ventilation, and type of milk fed used by neonates were factors significantly associated with NEC.

The present study finding gives an important evidence to aid the public health and preventive program to the societies. It also would support healthcare providers for the management of NEC. Besides, it also would encourage them to emphasis on and design the strategies to address this problem. Finally, we recommend that there is a need to initiate programs that could minimize this critical problem. All the concerned bodies should actively involve on this public issue to prevent or minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with NEC.

Limitation of the Study

The limitation of this study was the study design we have used, which as Institution based retrospective cross-sectional study.

Footnotes

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery for their compulsory assistance. Next, we would like to thank the supervisor, data collectors and hospitals.

Authors’ Contributions

Sitotaw Molla Mekonnen, Daniel Mengistu Bekele, Fikrtemariam Abebe Fenta, and Addisu Dabi Wake contributed to the conception of the study, data analysis, drafting or revising the article. Finally, all the authors gave final approval of the version to be published, and agrees to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Funding

The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The present study was funded by Addis Ababa University.

Ethics Approval

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Addis Ababa University. Then, the letter of permission was gained from the hospital director of Tikur Anbesa specialized hospital, Gandhi memorial hospital, and Yekatit 12 hospital medical college. Finally, Since the data was collected by neonates’ medical record chart review, confidentiality of the information obtained from the neonates’ chart were maintained.

ORCID iD

Addisu Dabi Wake

Availability of Data and Materials

The data used to support the findings of this study are on the hands of the corresponding author.

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