Pentoxifylline in the Treatment of NEC in Premature Neonates

Pentoxifylline in the Treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Premature Neonates

Pentoxifylline improves microcirculation and decreases TNF alpha levels associated with sepsis, rendering it of potential therapeutic value in necrotizing enterocolitis in premature neonates.

Preterm neonates with a clinical suspicion of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) will potentially be candidates for study. After obtaining parental consent, the infants will be prospectively and randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1. Treatment group: to receive IV pentoxifylline (5 mg/kg/hour to run over 6 hour x 6 days) and 2. Placebo group: to receive an equal volume of ½ normal saline to run over 6 hours x 6 days.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preterm infants <1750 gm. birth weight
• Abdominal x-ray consistent with NEC (dilated loops, bowel wall edema, fixed or persistent dilated loop with (or without pneumatosis)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Abdominal perforation