Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Bowel Perforation in Very Preterm Infants - Long-term Follow up

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF NORTH NORWAY · Jan 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on understanding the long-term effects of surgery for two serious conditions in very preterm infants: necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and bowel perforation. NEC is a condition where parts of the intestines become inflamed and damaged, while bowel perforation is when there is a hole in the intestine. Both conditions can lead to surgery, and this study aims to explore how these surgeries affect the children as they grow, particularly in terms of their quality of life, growth, nutrition, and any ongoing digestive issues.

The trial is looking to include very preterm infants from Norway, born between 2008 and 2013, who were diagnosed with surgical NEC or bowel perforation and survived past their first year. For each child in the study, two other children with similar backgrounds will be invited to join as a comparison group. Participants' families can expect to contribute to important research that may help improve care and outcomes for future preterm infants facing these conditions. It’s important to note that families will need to provide consent for their child to participate in the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Case: All Norwegian very preterm infants (gestational age (GA) \< 32 weeks) born during the 6-year period 2008-2013, diagnosed with surgical NEC or bowel perforation and surviving up to one year of age will be invited to participate as cases.
• • Controls: For each case we will invite two controls matched for important clinical characteristics (e.g. sex, GA, clinical illness score, intracranial pathology, need for oxygen at discharge etc.).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • not signing informed consent scheme