The epidemiology of necrotizing enterocolitis infant mortality in the United States

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined trends and risk factors for infant mortality associated with necrotizing enterocolitis in the United States. Methods. Necrotizing enterocolitis-associated deaths and infant mortality rates from 1979 through 1992 were determined by means of US multiple cause- of-death and linked birth/infant death data. Results. Annual necrotizing enterocolitis infant mortality rates decreased from 1979 through 1986 but increased thereafter and were lower during the 3-year period before (1983 through 1985; 11.5 per 100 000 liver births) the introduction of surfactants than after (1990 through 1992; 12.3 per 100 000). Low-birthweight singleton infants who were Black, male, or born to mothers younger than 17 had increased risk for necrotizing enterocolitis-associated death. Conclusions. As mortality among low-birthweight infants continues to decline and smaller newborns survive early causes of death, necrotizing enterocolitis-associated infant mortality may increase.