Gastric emptying is reduced in experimental NEC and correlates with the severity of intestinal damage

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess gastric emptying in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and its diagnostic significance using non-invasive ultrasound imaging. Methods: Fourteen neonatal mice (C57BL/6) were randomized into two groups: NEC [n = 10] and control [n = 4]. NEC was induced by gavage feeding of hyperosmolar formula, hypoxia, and lipopolysaccharide between postnatal day 5 (P5) and 9 (P9). Stomach volume was measured using a 40-MHz ultrasound transducer on P5 and P9. Gastric residual volume was calculated in control mice from two measurements at 4. h interval and in NEC mice from two measurements immediately after gavage feeding and 4. h post-fasting. The distal ileum was harvested for histology and quantitative PCR analysis on P9. Results: On P9, NEC mice had a greater gastric residual volume compared to control (p = 0.002) indicating delay in gastric emptying. Positive correlations were found between gastric residual volume and both IL-6 mRNA expression level and histological bowel damage (p = 0.035, p = 0.012, respectively). Conclusions: During experimental NEC there is a delay in stomach emptying which is related to the severity of the disease. Ultrasound assessment of gastric emptying is a new non-invasive imaging modality that could be used to predict the severity of NEC. Copyright © 2017.