Which statement about necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is NOT true?

Which statement about necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is NOT true?

• A. Most NEC patients have thrombocytopenia (<75,000/mm3).
• B. NEC can be a complication of umbilical artery catheterization.
• C. NEC is commonly associated with decreased cardiac output in the presence of fetal asphyxia or postnatal respiratory complications.
• D. Umbilical artery catheters are useful to assess acid-base status.

Answer: (D)

Focus on how NEC links to perfusion, platelets, and catheter-related issues. In NEC, thrombocytopenia is common due to inflammation and sepsis, and NEC can occur as a complication of umbilical artery catheterization because catheterization can impact mesenteric perfusion or introduce infection. Decreased cardiac output and systemic hypoperfusion, especially in the setting of fetal asphyxia or postnatal respiratory problems, are also associated with NEC because reduced gut blood flow predisposes to intestinal injury. The statement about using an umbilical artery catheter to assess acid-base status isn’t reliable. While arterial blood gases can be obtained from arterial lines, using a umbilical artery catheter specifically for acid-base assessment is not considered a dependable method in this context due to sampling limitations and potential inaccuracies.

Focus on how NEC links to perfusion, platelets, and catheter-related issues. In NEC, thrombocytopenia is common due to inflammation and sepsis, and NEC can occur as a complication of umbilical artery catheterization because catheterization can impact mesenteric perfusion or introduce infection. Decreased cardiac output and systemic hypoperfusion, especially in the setting of fetal asphyxia or postnatal respiratory problems, are also associated with NEC because reduced gut blood flow predisposes to intestinal injury.

The statement about using an umbilical artery catheter to assess acid-base status isn’t reliable. While arterial blood gases can be obtained from arterial lines, using a umbilical artery catheter specifically for acid-base assessment is not considered a dependable method in this context due to sampling limitations and potential inaccuracies.