This study aimed to test whether rotavirus-associated necrotizing enterocolitis (RV+NEC) produced diffe rent clinical findings or outcomes from those of non-rotavirus necrotizing enterocolitis (RV-NEC).

Eight patients from the RV+NEC group and 22 patients from the RV-NEC group diagnosed with modified Bell stage II or higher NEC were selected for this study. Fecal specimens from all infants were tested for rotavirus infection using a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Clinical, radiographic, and clinical outcome data were analyzed retrospectively.

RV+NEC infants had a significantly higher birth weight and were born at a significantly higher gestational age (33.5±3.3 weeks vs. 29.3±4.4 weeks; P =0.01). There were no differe nces in the occurrence of thrombocytopenia, mural gas, and pneumoperitoneum between the 2 groups. However, portal vein gas was more common in the RV+NEC group (88% vs. 9%; P <0.01). Neither the incidence of Bell stage III (or higher) NEC nor surgical inte rvention differed between the two groups. The number of complications and mortality rates were also similar.

Rotavirus-associated NEC occurs in infants with a higher birth weight and those born at a greater gestational age. However, the severity of the condition and the resulting outcomes did not differ from those for infants affected by non-rotavirus NEC.