Published in:
01-03-2021 | Laparotomy | Original Article
Discrepancy between the survival rate and neuropsychological development in postsurgical extremely low-birth-weight infants: a retrospective study over two decades at a single institution
Published in: Pediatric Surgery International | Issue 3/2021
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Purpose
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), focal intestinal perforation (FIP), and meconium-related ileus (MRI) are major diseases that cause gastrointestinal disorders in extremely low-birth-weight infants (ELBWIs). We conducted a review to compare the postoperative outcomes of ELBWIs with these diseases in our neonatal intensive-care unit.
Methods
A retrospective chart review of ELBWIs surgically treated for NEC (n = 31), FIP (n = 35), and MRI (n = 16) in 2001–2018 was undertaken. This period was divided into early (2001–2005), middle (2006–2010), and late (2011–2018) periods. Data were analyzed with the Cochran-Armitage test. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.
Results
The survival rates in ELBWIs with NEC (early/middle/late: 36.4%/42.9%/61.5%; p = 0.212) and FIP (20%/50%/70.6%; p = 0.012) improved over time; all patients with MRI survived. The neuropsychological development of 24 cases was assessed with the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development in the Postural-Motor, Cognitive-Adaptative, and Language-Social domains. The mean developmental quotient of all domains was 68.4 (range 18–95) at corrected 1.5 years of age and 69.1 (range 25–108) at chronological 3 years of age, both were considered as poor development. There was no improvement over time (p = 0.899).
Conclusion
Ideal neuropsychological development was not observed with the improvement of survival rate. Less-invasive surgical intervention and adequate postoperative care are required to encourage further development.