Role of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in Development of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Necrotizing Enterocolitis; Premature Birth

Study type: Observational

Funder types: NIH

Identifiers

NCT00059449

EGFDNE (completed)

Details and patient eligibility

About

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disorder that primarily affects preterm infants. About 10% of babies less than 32 weeks gestation at birth will develop it. Overall, 30% of babies who develop NEC will die from it, with many others developing long term gastrointestinal problems. The most important factor in its development is a premature intestinal tract. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is an important growth factor in the development and maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract. This study will look for a relationship between EGF levels in premature babies and the development of NEC.

Enrollment: 372 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: Under 72 hours old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Gestational Age greater than 23 weeks at birth
• Birth weight greater than 500 grams
• Age less than 72 hours of life