A Multi-Center Survey of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Prevention Strategies in Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

Objective: To compare the prevention practices of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) across 17 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in China.

Methods: A web-based survey was sent to 17 level 3 NICUs in China on September 21, 2023, to evaluate the prevention strategies for NEC.

Results: All 17 Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) responded to the survey. There was significant variation in the initial empirical use of antibiotics for early-onset sepsis, late-onset sepsis, and NEC among different NICUs. Out of the 17 NICUs, only 5 (29.4%) used donor human milk. Additionally, 15 (88.2%) NICUs performed routine echocardiography (Echo) in preterm infants after birth to evaluate cardiac function and/or Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) status. Out of those 15 NICUs, 11 (73.3%) performed Echo within 24 to 72 hours after birth. Furthermore, 8 NICUs (47.1%) did not alter enteral nutrition management during drug treatment for PDA, while 12 NICUs (70.6%) stopped 1 or 2 feeds during red blood cell transfusion.

Conclusion: The findings of this survey conducted through questionnaires revealed both differences and similarities in the strategies employed to prevent NEC in 17 NICUs in China.