The Impact of Placental Pathology on Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC)

Background: The placenta has recently become an organ of interest in the search for causes of preterm necrotising enterocolitis.Placental pathology are associated with preterm mortality and morbidity. However, the impact of placental pathology on NEC is inconsistent across studies.This study explores the role of placental pathology in predisposing to NEC pathogenesis.

Objectives: To determine the association between placental pathology with clinical and radiological diagnosis of NEC.

Methods: 108 neonates (mean gestational age 28.5 weeks and mean birth weight 1162g) were studied retrospectively over 10 years (2003 to 2013). Based on placental pathology they were classified as P1: maternal placental vascular pathology; P2: fetal placental vascular pathology; P3: placental inflammatory-immune pathology and clinical diagnosis and radiological of NEC (>grade 2 Bells). SAS method was used for statistically analysis.

Results: All 108 neonates had NEC (>grade 2 Bells). P2 N=58(53.7%), P1 N=33(30.5%), P3 N=17 (15.7%).

Conclusion: Placental abnormalities, especially fetal vascular lesions put preterm neonates at risk of NEC. The results of this study explore the risk placental infection may contribute to pathogenesis of NEC and warrants further study.