J Korean Radiol Soc.  2006 Oct;55(4):401-406. 10.3348/jkrs.2006.55.4.401.

Diagnostic Usefulness of CT Attenuation Coefficients of Urine after Enteral Administration of Iodinated Water (Iohexol) in Neonates with NEC

• Moon JH
• Yun EJ
• Yoon DY
• Lee YJ
• Seo YL
• Choi CS
• Woo JY
• Yang S
• Cho YA
• Chang YW

• KMID: 2024456
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.2006.55.4.401

Abstract

PURPOSE
We wanted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an increased computed tomography attenuation coefficient (CTAC) of urine after the oral administration of iohexol in neonates who are suspected of suffering with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
During a recent 1 year-period, seventeen neonates were admitted for suspected NEC, and they were divided into the suspected and definite groups based on their clinical signs and radiographic findings; we also included ten normal neonates as the control group. Diluted iohexol was administered and the CTACs of collected urine samples at 8-12 hour intervals were measured. Comparative analysis of the three groups was done and statistical significance was determined by the Scheffe test.
RESULTS
Among 17 neonates, there were 13 neonates in the suspect group and 4 neonates in the definite group. The mean CTACs of urine in each group were 2711 HU (control group), 3411 HU (suspected group), and 7625 HU (definite group), respectively. There was a significant difference between the mean CTAC of the definite group and that of the control or suspected groups (Scheffe t >2.65). However, no statistically significant difference was seen between the suspected and control groups (Scheffe t=1.14).
CONCLUSION
Although measurements of the CTAC of urine showed no significant diagnostic efficacy in the suspected group, the CTAC of urine, which reflects the correlated degree of bowel mucosal injury, can be a useful aid for determining the severity and progression of NEC.

Keyword

Colitis; Urine; Computed tomography(CT); Infant, newborn, gastrointestinal tract

MeSH Terms

Administration, Oral
Colitis
Enterocolitis, Necrotizing
Humans
Infant, Newborn*
Iohexol
Water*
Iohexol
Water