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.

Condition
Necrotizing Enterocolitis Premature Birth

Ages Eligible for Study:  up to  72 Hours,  Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

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

Ohio
      Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati,  Ohio,  45220,  United States; Recruiting
      Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati,  Ohio,  45229,  United States; Recruiting
      University Hospital, Cincinnati,  Ohio,  45229,  United States; Recruiting

Study ID Numbers:  EGFDNE
Record last reviewed:  November 2004
Last Updated:  November 22, 2004
Record first received:  April 25, 2003
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:  NCT00059449
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on 2005-04-08