The Effect of Abdominal Incisions on Early Motor Development of Infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Eighteen very low-birthweight infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) underwent periodic neurodevelopmental testing until two years of age. They were grouped according to whether they had had surgical intervention (N = 6) or non-surgical therapy (N = 12). At eight and 15 months corrected age, a significantly greater number of the surgical group exhibited motor delay. At 24 months, only one infant in the surgical group had persistent motor delays. These findings indicate a higher incidence of motor delays in infants requiring surgery for NEC. The delays involved skills influenced by the abdominal musculature. These motor delays persisted up to 24 months, but appeared to resolve with time.