Bedside Ultrasound for Early Diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Pilot Study

Objective This study aimed to assess whether bedside ultrasound (BUS) as the first imaging modality allows an earlier diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) compared with abdominal radiography. Study Design A before-after controlled study in preterm infants with suspected NEC. The intervention group (October 2019-October 2021) received BUS as the first imaging modality and was managed accordingly to BUS findings. The control group (October 2015-September 2019) received radiography as the first imaging modality. The main outcome was NEC confirmation at the time of initial imaging. Secondary outcomes included time to diagnosis, laboratory data, and treatment requirements. Results Thirty-five episodes of suspected NEC with 14 (40%) confirmed NEC cases and 49 episodes of suspected NEC with 22 (44.9%) confirmed NEC cases were included in the intervention and control groups, respectively. In the intervention group, 11 of 14 (78.6%) NEC cases were confirmed at initial evaluation compared with 5 of 22 (22.7%) in the control group (p = 0.001). Infants in the intervention group developed thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy less frequently, were exposed to less radiation, and required less days of parenteral nutrition compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion The use of BUS as the first imaging modality allowed an earlier diagnosis and timely treatment of NEC compared with abdominal radiography.