Analysis of risk factors and establishment of a predictive model for brain injury in neonates with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis: a retrospective study

The incidence of brain injury in neonates with surgical NEC is independently associated with elevated PCT levels at surgery, the presence of sepsis, and the occurrence of transmural necrosis with perforation. Conversely, increased GA, early surgical recognition and intervention, and complete resection of the necrotic bowel may serve as potential protective factors against brain injury. The predictive model constructed on the basis of these findings demonstrated strong discriminative ability and we propose immediate neuroprotective intervention when model-predicted risk exceeds the 53% threshold.