出生胎龄<34周住院早产儿出院预后分析北大核心CSCD

目的:分析出生胎龄<34周住院早产儿出院预后及其3年变化趋势。方法:应用“基于证据的质量改进方法降低我国新生儿重症监护室院内感染发生率的整群随机对照试验”所建立的早产儿前瞻性队列数据库的研究数据进行二次分析。纳入25家三级新生儿重症监护病房(NICU)2015年5月至2018年4月在出生7 d内入院的27 192例出生胎龄<34周早产儿,并排除严重先天畸形者。根据出生胎龄和入院时间分组,计算不同出生胎龄住院早产儿出院时病死率和主要并发症发生率。采用Cochran-Armitage检验和Jonckheere-Terpstra检验分析3年间早产儿病死率和并发症发生率的变化趋势;构建多因素Logistic回归模型分析3年间早产儿出院预后的差异。结果:27 192例早产儿出生胎龄(31.3±2.0)周,出生体重(1 617±415)g。自动出院率9.5%(2 594/27 192),总病死率10.7%(2 907/27 192),完整治疗患儿病死率为4.7%(1 147/24 598),完整治疗患儿死亡或主要并发症发生率为26.2%(6 452/24 598)。主要并发症发生率由高至低分别为中重度支气管肺发育不良16.0%(4 342/27 192)、败血症11.9%(3 225/27 192)、重度脑室内出血或脑室周围白质软化6.8%(1 641/24 206)、确诊坏死性小肠结肠炎3.6%(939/25 762)、严重早产儿视网膜病1.5%(214/13 868)。研究期间3年总病死率下降( P<0.001),败血症、严重早产儿视网膜病发生率也均呈下降趋势(均 P<0.001)。完整治疗存活早产儿主要并发症发生率3年差异无统计学意义( P=0.230)。校正混淆因素后,研究第3年总死亡风险显著低于第1年(调整 OR=0.62,95% CI 0.55~0.69, P<0.001),完整治疗患儿死亡或主要并发症、中重度支气管肺发育不良、败血症和严重早产儿视网膜病发生风险也均低(均 P<0.05)。 结论:2015—2018年NICU住院早产儿病死率及主要并发症发生率呈现降低趋势,但死亡或主要并发症发生率仍有较大的下降空间,需持续开展针对性质量改进,进一步提高救治质量、改善早产儿预后。     

超低出生体重儿救治的国内外近况

近几十年来新生儿医学的快速发展使得超低出生体重儿（ELBWI）病死率和并发症发生率明显下降。然而存活ELBWI发生近远期并发症风险显著增加,包括严重脑室内出血、脑室旁白质软化、院内感染和坏死性小肠结肠炎、支气管肺发育不良、早产儿视网膜病变以及远期神经发育后遗症等。目前国内ELBWI救治水平不断提高,但与国外差距仍较大。本文将近年国内外ELBWI救治存活率、伦理学问题、近远期并发症情况等作一综述。     

早产儿重度脑室周围-脑室内出血临床高危因素分析

目的 探讨早产儿重度脑室周围-脑室内出血的高危因素.方法 选择2008 -2009年我院新生儿重症监护病房重度脑室周围-脑室内出血的早产儿为观察组,同期轻度脑室周围-脑室内出血早产儿为对照组,对引起早产儿脑室周围-脑室内出血可能的15项临床因素进行统计学分析.结果 观察组32例,死亡6例,放弃治疗12例;对照组93例,死亡1例,放弃治疗2例.单因素分析显示,胎龄、出生体重、前置胎盘、产时窒息、宫内窘迫、低氧血症、高碳酸血症、机械通气、吸入高浓度氧等与早产儿重度脑室周围-脑室内出血有关(P均＜0.05).多因素Logistic回归分析显示,胎龄(OR=3.545)、出生体重(OR=3.453)、产时窒息(OR=3.232)、机械通气(OR =3.643)和吸入高浓度氧(OR=3.449)为早产儿重度脑室周围-脑室内出血的高危因素(P均＜0.05).结论 早产儿脑室周围-脑室内出血的高危因素较多,而且预后差,早期预防早产儿重度脑室周围-脑室内出血并采取积极干预措施具有重要意义.     

新生儿重症监护病房早产儿脑室内出血的临床分析及防治

目的探讨新生儿重症监护病房(NICU)早产儿脑室内出血(IVH)的发病因素及防治。方法回顾分析2000年1月至2006年3月我院NICU早产儿临床资料,生后3～7d内头颅B超检查情况。结果480例早产儿,脑室内出血160例,发生率达33.3%,与出生胎龄、出生体重呈负相关,与窒息、缺氧、感染、贫血等并发症程度呈正相关。结论IVH与胎龄、出生体重、窒息、缺氧、感染、贫血、机械通气密切相关,综合防治可减少IVH发生率,提高早产儿,尤其是极低体重儿的抢救成功率、避免或减少后遗症的发生。     

早产儿颅内出血病理机制及防治进展

出生体重小于1500g的早产儿颅内出血发生率为40～50%,个别作者发现高达90%。脑室周围出血(PVH)和脑室内出血(IVH)为最常见、最严重的类型。PVH又称室管膜下生发层出血。生发层富含血管、细胞、胶质,代谢旺盛,在胎龄24～32周时特别明显,足月时消失。在通常发生PVH的部位,血流常呈独特的U弯。出血部位与胎龄有关,小于28周者多起源于尾状核体部,大于28周者多起源于Monro氏     

早产儿脑室周围／脑室内出血及其防治

早产儿尤其是出生体重小于1500g的极低出生体重儿(VLBWI)和超低出生体重儿(EIBWI)，由围生期缺氧缺血引起的脑损伤主要表现为脑室周围／脑室内出血。其发病机制、病理改变和临床表现与足月儿缺氧缺血性脑病不同；治疗方法和预后判断也不一致，必须区别对待。近年来国内由于新法复苏的推广，新生儿窒息尤其是重度窒息发生率明显降低，新生儿缺氧缺血性脑病发生率也随之降低；另一方面，由于早产儿存活率提高，早产儿围生期缺氧引起的脑室周围／脑室内出血及其神经后遗症显得更为突出，成为影响早产儿预后最重要因素之一。     

苯巴比妥对早产儿脑室内出血的干预研究

早产儿脑室内出血（IVH）对早产儿危害严重,是早产儿死亡和存活者预后不良的重要原因,发生率高达65%[1].约有25%～50%的IVH早期无临床症状而被忽视,而对于严重影响早产儿IVH预后的并发症（出血后脑室扩张、脑积水）,目前尚无有效的治疗手段.所以,IVH的早期诊断、早期干预至关重要.本研究旨在采用影像学的方法（床旁头颅B超）诊断早产儿生后早期IVH,观察苯巴比妥对不同胎龄、不同体重早产儿IVH发病的影响,探讨苯巴比妥对早产儿IVH发病的干预作用.     

新生儿重症监护病房早产儿脑室内出血的临床分析及防治

目的 探讨新生儿重症监护病房（NICU）早产儿脑室内出血（IVH）的发病因素及防治。方法 回顾分析2000年1月至2006年3月我院NICU早产儿临床资料，生后3～7d内头颅B超检查情况。结果 480例早产儿，脑室内出血160例，发生率达33．3％，与出生胎龄、出生体重呈负相关，与窒息、缺氧、感染、贫血等并发症程度呈正相关。结论 IVH与胎龄、出生体重、窒息、缺氧、感染、贫血、机械通气密切相关，综合防治可减少IVH发生率，提高早产儿，尤其是极低体重儿的抢救成功率、避免或减少后遗症的发生。     

高危早产儿宫外生长迟缓的危险因素分析

目的探讨我院高危早产儿宫外生长迟缓(EUGR)的发生率和相关危险因素。方法回顾性调查2011年1月至2012年12月我院收治并存活至出院的高危早产儿(出生体重<1500 g或出生胎龄<33周)及其母亲的住院资料。根据"中国15城市不同胎龄新生儿出生体重值",出生体重位于同胎龄儿第10百分位以下定义为宫内生长受限(IUGR)早产儿,出院体重位于校正胎龄儿第10百分位以下定义为EUGR早产儿。并根据此表计算出生体重的Z值(Z1)、出院体重的Z值(Z2),比较Z值的变化。比较EUGR组及非EUGR组围产期及出生后危险因素的差异,根据Logistic回归分析得出EUGR的高危因素。结果共194例早产儿纳入本研究,IUGR发生率为29.9%(58/194),EUGR发生率为51.5%(100/194)。出院时Z2(-1.27±0.83)较出生时Z1(-0.83±0.78)显著下降(P<0.001)。IUGR早产儿发生EUGR比例明显高于非IUGR早产儿(93.1%比33.8%,P<0.001),但Z值下降幅度却小于非IUGR早产儿[(-0.31±0.58)比(-0.50±0.53),P=0.039]。根据Logistic回归分析,高危早产儿发生EUGR的高危因素为出生体重<1500 g、IUGR、住院天数超过6周及CRP升高。结论 EUGR是极低出生体重儿及小胎龄早产儿的重要并发症,针对相关的围产因素进行积极的营养管理,有可能减少其发生率,改善早产儿的结局。     

早产儿支气管肺发育不良危险因素前瞻性队列研究

目的 探讨早产儿支气管肺发育不良(BPD)的发生率及危险因素.方法 应用前瞻性队列研究的方法,对我院产科2009年1月至2010年6月出生的所有活产早产儿进行研究,统计BPD发生率,并分析相关危险因素.结果 (1)共有425例早产儿入组研究,其中男266例,女159例;胎龄(33.9±2.4)周(26～ 36周);出生体重(2038±660) g(770 ～3150 g),其中极低出生体重儿85例,超低出生体重儿7例.发生BPD 45例,发生率10.6％,死亡(包括自动出院撤机后死亡)7例,BPD病死率15.6％.BPD患儿胎龄≤32周36例(80.0％),出生体重＜1500 g 29例(64.4％).(2)多因素Logistic回归分析显示胎龄＜30周(OR =3.10)、出生体重＜1500 g(OR=2.29)、感染性肺炎(OR =2.74)、动脉导管未闭(OR =2.12)、机械通气(OR =9.57)、H2受体抑制剂( OR=1.36)、应用碳青霉烯类抗生素＞4周(OR=2.59)是BPD发病的独立危险因素(P均＜0.05).结论 早产儿发生BPD的独立危险因素较多,需要综合防治才能有效控制BPD的发生.     

Short-Term Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight Infants Born at a Tertiary Care Hospital,Istanbul, Turkey

Objective

To evaluate mortality and short-term outcomes in very low birth weight infants admitted to the tertiary neonatal intensive care unit, Istanbul, Turkey.

Methods

Study data were recorded prospectively from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2010. The clinical findings in neonates with birth weights <1000g were compared with infants with birth weights of between 1000g and 1499g.

Findings

In the present study, survival rates were 40% and 86.2% for infants weighing <1000g and 1000g to 1499g, respectively. There was no difference between males and females with respect to mortality (P>0.05). The mean (±standard deviation) birth weight was 985.6±150.15 g and mean gestational age was 27.5±2.04 weeks. The antenatal steroid rate was 37.2%, and the Cesarean section rate was 73%. Respiratory distress syndrome was diagnosed in 89% of the infants, with a 69% surfactant administration rate. Severe intracranial hemorrhage (IVH) (grade >II) was 14%. Grade 4 periventricular leukomalacia was 10%. Twelve (24%) infants had evidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Retinopathy of prematurity (stage >II) was 4%. The correlation between ROP rate and need for ventilation therapy was present (r=0.52). Proven necrotizing enterocolitis (stage >2) was not observed. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was diagnosed in 67% of the neonates. BPD, IVH, and PDA were statistically higher in neonates with a birth weight <1000g.

Conclusion

Survival rate of VLBW infants increased with increasing BW. Sex was not a risk factor for mortality. The need for ventilatory therapy may be an important risk factor for ROP in infants <1500g.     

Short-term outcome of very low birth weight infants in a developing country: comparison with the Vermont Oxford Network

Objectives: To determine the outcome of very low birth weightinfants (VLBWI) admitted to a level III NICU in UAE and comparethe results to percentiles published by the Vermont Oxford Network(VON). Method: Outcome data were collected retrospectively, using standarddefinitions, on a cohort of VLBWI 500–1500 g admittedbetween January 2004 and December 2006. Results: Of the 173 infants weighing 501–1500 g at birth,85.6% survived until discharge, which corresponds to the 50thpercentile (P50) of VON. Chronic lung disease (CLD) occurredin 12.1% (<P25), death or CLD 26.6%, necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC) 5.8% (<P50), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of anygrade 17.5% (P25), grade III or IV IVH in 5% (P25), periventricularleucomalacia (PVL) 2.8% (P50), retinopathy of prematurity stage(ROP) 11.3% (<P10). The mortality and morbidity data forthe subgroups of 501–1000 g and 1001–1500 g birthweight are also reported. Conclusion: We report the outcome of VLBWI born in a developingcountry with high resources. The rates of CLD, IVH and ROP were25th percentile of the VON and mortality, NEC and PVL were inthe 50th percentile.     

Incidence of and risk factors for neonatal morbidity after active perinatal care: extremely preterm infants study in Sweden (EXPRESS)

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of neonatal morbidity in extremely preterm infants and to identify associated risk factors. Methods: Population based study of infants born before 27 gestational weeks and admitted for neonatal intensive care in Sweden during 2004–2007. Results: Of 638 admitted infants, 141 died. Among these, life support was withdrawn in 55 infants because of anticipation of poor long‐term outcome. Of 497 surviving infants, 10% developed severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), 5.7% cystic periventricular leucomalacia (cPVL), 41% septicaemia and 5.8% necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); 61% had patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and 34% developed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) stage ≥3. Eighty‐five per cent needed mechanical ventilation and 25% developed severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Forty‐seven per cent survived to one year of age without any severe IVH, cPVL, severe ROP, severe BPD or NEC. Tocolysis increased and prolonged mechanical ventilation decreased the chances of survival without these morbidities. Maternal smoking and higher gestational duration were associated with lower risk of severe ROP, whereas PDA and poor growth increased this risk. Conclusion: Half of the infants surviving extremely preterm birth suffered from severe neonatal morbidities. Studies on how to reduce these morbidities and on the long‐term health of survivors are warranted.     

外周血内皮祖细胞与极低出生体重早产儿并发症发生相关性

目的 分析内皮祖细胞（EPCs）与极低出生体重早产儿发生支气管肺发育不良（BPD）、早产儿视网膜病（ROP）和脑室内出血（IVH）并发症的相关性。方法 选取于复旦大学附属儿科医院NICU住院的胎龄<32周、出生体重<1 500 g的早产儿,分别于出生时、生后7、14、21和28 d及纠正胎龄36周时收集外周血,流式细胞仪检测EPCs水平,酶联免疫法检测血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）、基质细胞衍生因子等水平。结果 68例极低出生体重早产儿纳入分析,其中对照组30例,BPD 组20例, ROP组 10例,IVH组 8例。BPD组与对照组出生时EPCs水平差异无统计学意义,生后7 d时点EPCs水平较对照组明显降低,CD34+KDR+: (0.019 ±0.009) % vs (0.026±0.012)%, P<0.05; KDR+CD133+: (0.004±0.002)% vs (0.008±0.004)%, P<0.01; CD34+KDR+CD133+: (0.005±0.002)% vs (0.008±0.004)%, P<0.05。从出生时至生后21 d,BPD组血浆VEGF水平均明显低于对照组。ROP组出生时至生后28 d的EPCs水平与对照组差异无统计学意义,纠正胎龄36周时KDR+CD133+和CD34+KDR+CD133+ EPCs与对照组相比略有升高趋势。与对照组相比, IVH组生后不同时点的EPCs水平差异均无统计学意义。结论 生后早期的EPCs和VEGF水平降低可能参与了早产儿BPD的发生,但其具体机制仍需进一步研究。     

Trends in outcomes for very preterm infants in the southern region of Sweden over a 10-year period

Aim: To investigate trends in mortality and morbidity in very preterm infants.
Methods: Population-based perinatal register; liveborn infants 22 + 0 to 31 + 6 gestational weeks were investigated (time period 1995–2004). Time trends for mortality and common morbidities were explored using logistic regression analyses.
Results: Data from 1614 liveborn infants were included. There was an increase in live born infants below 25 gestational weeks, annual odds ratio (OR) 1.15 (95% CI: 1.08–1.23) and a decrease in mortality annual OR 0.82 (95% CI: 0.69–0.98). The rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and sepsis increased during the study period, annual ORs of 1.10 (95% CI: 1.04–1.17) and 1.09 (95% CI: 1.03–1.16). The duration of mechanical ventilation increased for surviving infants <25 gestational weeks (p = 0.003), while the duration of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) increased for infants <28 gestational weeks (p = <0.001). There were no changes in the rates of intraventricular haemorrhages (IVH, 3–4), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP, 3–5), seizures or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Conclusion: During the 10-year period changes in mortality and morbidity were most pronounced for infants with GA <28 gestational weeks. The increasing rate of sepsis was present in infants <28 gestational weeks, whereas the increase in BPD was demonstrated in the whole study population <32 gestational weeks.     

Mortality in 504 infants weighing less than 1501 g at birth and treated in four neonatal intensive care units of South-Belgium between 1976 and 1980

Mortality was studied in 504 infants weighing less than 1501 g at birth and treated in four neonatal intensive care units of South-Belgium between 1976 and 1980. Two hundred and twenty-one babies died during their stay at the hospital, a mortality rate of 438 per 1000 live births. The neonatal mortality rate (mortality during the first 28 days of life) was 373 per 1000 live-births. Thirty-three infants died after the neonatal period, which is 15% of the total number of deaths. Twothirds of these post-neonatal deaths were related to complications of diseases associated with pre-term delivery. Mortality rates were higher in infants of less than 1001 g than in those of 1001–1250 g or 1251–1500 birth weight. In each birth weight category, patients born in their own obstetrical departments and referred infants had similar mortality rates. Longitudinal analysis showed improving mortality rates between 1976 and 1977 in the total population of VLBW infants, between 1977 and 1978 in infants of <1001 g and in 1980 compared to 1976 in the 1251–1500 g group. There were higher incidences of need for ventilatory assistance, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotising enterocolitis and septicaemia in referred patients of <1001 g than in patients born in their own obstetrical departments with comparable birth weight. Artification ventilation was more often required in referred infants of 1251–1500 g. This study confirms the importance of considering at least the complete hospital stay when analysing mortality in VLBW infants. Infants of <1001 g had high mortality, particularly after the neonatal period. This phenomenon was asscciated with complications of morbid conditions related to extreme prematurity.Abbreviations VLBW very low birth weight - PDA patent ductus areeriosus - NEC necrotising enterocolitis     

Male sex and intraventricular hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal mortality and morbidity are sex biased in low birth weight infants. The "Y chromosome effect" has been suggested to be responsible for these maturational differences. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of sex and neonatal outcomes. DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study. Data on all low birth weight infants who survived for >48 hrs were analyzed. Neonatal outcomes were compared between male and female infants. A regression model was used to detect the influence of sex on outcomes after controlling for confounders. Analysis was repeated after stratification of infants into three groups: group A (<1000 g), group B (1000-1499 g), and group C (1500-2499 g). RESULTS: A total of 833 infants were included in this study; 419 female infants and 414 male infants. Male infants had an increased rate of overall intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (12.2% vs. 7.2%, p = .02) and IVH grades 3-4 (4.8% vs. 2.3%, p = .04). In addition, male infants had higher bilirubin levels (10.19 +/- 3.1 mg/dL vs. 9.32 +/- 2.94 mg/dL, p = .001). In a regression model, male sex continued to have significant influence on IVH, IVH grades 3-4, death, and bilirubin. In group A, male infants had a significantly increased prevalence of death (regression coefficient, 1.82 +/- 0.65; p = .005) that could not be explained by the increased prevalence of IVH (p = .18) in regression analysis. In group B, male sex was significantly associated with a higher bilirubin level (regression coefficient, 0.94 + 0.3; p = .002). In bivariate analyses, IVH and IVH grades 3-4 were significantly higher in male compared with female infants (19.8% vs. 3.9%, p < .0001) and (8.5% vs. 0.97%, p = .02), respectively, but these differences lost significance in multiple-regression analysis. In group C, male sex positively influenced the prevalence of IVH (regression coefficient, 1.7 +/- 0.57; p = .003). Bilirubin measured higher in male infants (11.38 +/- 2.87 mg/dL vs. 10.19 +/- 3.22 mg/dL, p = .0004), but the difference lost significance in regression analysis (regression coefficient, 0.21 +/- 0.31; p = .5). CONCLUSIONS: Bilirubin, IVH, and death were significantly higher in male infants. In subgroup analysis, significance was retained in group A (<1000 g). Whether a single biological factor is responsible for these differences or perhaps a multi-causal process involving a complex interaction of physiologic, environmental, and pathologic responses needs to be further addressed in future research.     

Does gender affect neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in low-birth-weight infants?

BACKGROUND: Neonatal mortality and morbidity are gender-biased in low-birth-weight (LBW) infants. The male disadvantage theory has been suggested to be responsible for these maturational differences. OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of gender on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective observational study. Data on all LBW infants admitted to George Washington University neonatal intensive care unit and surviving for >48 hrs from January 1992 to March 2003 were analyzed. Males and females were compared for gestational age, birth weight, race, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 mins, peak bilirubin levels, sepsis, and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Significant differences were entered in a regression model to detect the influence of gender on bilirubin (Bili). Analysis was repeated after stratification of infants into: group A, <1000 g; group B, 1000-1499 g; and group C, 1500-2499 g. RESULTS: A total of 840 infants were included in this study. When comparing males (n = 407) with females (n = 433), significant differences were detected in birth weight (1,539 +/- 541 vs. 1,428 +/- 549 g; p = .003), IVH (14.2% vs. 9%; p = .025), and Bili (10.1 +/- 3.0 vs. 9.2 +/- 2.8 mg%; p < .001). No differences were detected in gestational age, sepsis, or Apgar 1 and 5. Difference in Bili for the entire group remained significant in the regression model (regression coefficient [RC] = 0.79 +/- 0.22; p < .001). In subgroup analyses: group A Bili (8.4 +/- 2.3 vs. 8.0 +/- 2.0; p = .14) and group B Bili (9.0 +/- 2.1 vs. 9.2 +/- 2.2; p = .51) did not differ in bivariate or multivariate analyses. In group C, Bili was (11.3 +/- 3.1 vs. 10.1 +/- 3.3; p < .001) and remained the only significant difference in the regression model (RC = 1.19 +/- 0.37; p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Bili in LBW infants is significantly higher in males when compared with females. After stratification to birth weight subgroups, significance is retained in the 1500- to 2499-g group after logistic regression analysis. Bili levels in infants <1500 g are influenced more significantly by factors other than gender, such as sepsis and IVH.     

超未成熟儿的生存状况与预后影响因素分析

目的 探讨胎龄28 周以下超未成熟儿在新生儿重症监护病房（NICU）的存活率、住院期间并发症发生情况及其预后。方法 收集2011 年1 月至2013 年3 月入住NICU 的胎龄结果 90 例患儿平均胎龄26±1 周,出生体重898±165 g,总存活率为57%,病死率9%,放弃率34%。常见并发症包括新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征（RDS）88%、BPD 85%、PDA 69%, ROP 68%,Ⅲ、Ⅳ级IVH 31%;存活早产儿平均住院时间为83±18 d,出院平均体重为2419±300 g。多因素logistic 回归分析发现,肺出血与严重IVH 为死亡或放弃的高危因素,产前使用糖皮质激素为保护因素。结论 目前国内超未成熟儿存活率相比发达国家仍有较大差距;肺出血、严重IVH 为影响预后的重要因素。     

Detection of astrovirus in premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in very low birth weight infants (<1500 g birth weight). Although the etiology remains unknown, infectious agents could play a key role. The aim of this analysis was to examine the role of human astrovirus (HAstV) in infants with NEC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients admitted during a 5-year period at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit with NEC (Bell stage I-III) who had examination of stool specimens for bacterial and for viral infections were included. Clinical data were reviewed and compared between infants with NEC and astrovirus detection (NEC + HAstV) and infants with NEC without astrovirus detection (NEC - HAstV) in stool specimens. RESULTS: Forty infants with NEC were identified between 2002 and 2006 and 8 patients were excluded from statistical evaluation because of incomplete viral examinations. HAstV was detected in stool specimens of 6 (19%) of the remaining 32 patients with NEC. Double infection with rotavirus was identified in 1 patient. No other viruses were detected. Significant differences in patients with NEC - HAstV and NEC + HAstV were only shown for age at onset of illness (P < 0.001) but not for severity of illness, need for surgical intervention, or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that HAstV may be associated with the development of NEC in a subgroup of patients and provides further evidence for the important role of gastrointestinal viral infections in this most common gastrointestinal emergency in premature infants. HAstV should be included in microbiological examination of stool specimens in patients with NEC.