Early Doppler Ultrasound in the Superior Mesenteric Artery and the Prediction of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Neonates

Objectives The purpose of this study was to reveal the correlation between superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow in the first 12 hours of life and the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm neonates. Methods We conducted a prospective study. There were 104 preterm neonates included in our study. The SMA blood flow of each neonate was measured during the first 12 hours of life if the hemodynamic situation was stable. The results of Doppler ultrasound were confidential to the neonatologists and nurses. All of the demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results Among all of the demographics and comorbidities, the gestational age was related to the measurements of SMA blood flow. We conducted a single‐factor analysis of the occurrence of NEC, including the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity, time‐averaged mean velocity, differential velocity (DV), resistive index, and pulsatility index. A higher PSV (median [interquartile range], 54.165 [42.423–68.463] versus 42.195 [34.278–48.553] cm/s; P = .027) and DV (median [interquartile range], 47.445 [35.010–60.043] versus 32.565 [27.545–39.073] cm/s; P = .020) were significantly related to the risk of NEC. In the logistic analysis including gestational age, PSV, and DV, NEC was significantly associated with gestational age (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.644 [0.456–0.908]; P = .012) and DV (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.144 [1.058–1.237]; P < .01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the DV was 0.768, with sensitivity 0.875 and specificity 0.604. The cutoff value of the DV was 34.835 cm/s. Conclusions From this single‐center study, we can see the promising value of Doppler ultrasound for the prediction of NEC, but further research is needed.