Is there an association between necrotizing enterocolitis in premature neonates and functional gastrointestinal disorders later in childhood?

Background Stressful events during infancy may predispose to the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in childhood. Aims To evaluate the association of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with childhood FGIDs. Methods We conducted a study, comparing 29 children of eight to ten years with a history of NEC with 58 children with no history of NEC. Subjects were assessed for FGIDs, based on Rome-III criteria. Results Among 29 subjects with NEC, 17 had surgical and 12 conservative NEC. Subjects with surgically, or conservatively managed NEC developed FGIDs at a significantly higher proportion, as compared to children with no history of NEC, later in childhood (41%, 33%, and 13% respectively, p = 0.033). Functional constipation was the most frequently identified disorder (35%, 33%, and 7% respectively). A significant association was detected between FGIDs and the history of perinatal stress (p = 0.049), NEC (p = 0.011), and the surgical management of NEC (p = 0.015). Conclusions Our study suggests that there is a potential association between NEC and FGIDs later in childhood with functional constipation being the most frequently identified disorder.