Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between absolute monocyte count (AMC) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm neonates and to assess whether a fall in AMC can be used as a biomarker to predict an increased risk for NEC. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of preterm neonates with NEC or a first episode of feeding intolerance (FI). Their complete blood count (CBC) was evaluated for AMC at three time points, first at baseline, second at the onset of NEC/FI, and third afterwards. Statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test and the chi-squared test. The p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of the total 92 newborns, 29 (31.5%) had NEC, while 63 (68.5%) had FI. NEC and FI groups were comparable in gestational age (GA) and birth weight. There was a significant increase in AMC in the FI group (p<0.001) from baseline to the onset of FI. However, the AMC had a fall in the NEC group from baseline to the onset of NEC, which was not statistically significant (p=0.074). CONCLUSION: A decrease in AMC was associated with the presence of NEC. A fall in the AMC could be a biomarker to identify an increased risk of NEC in preterm neonates with feeding problems.