Table 3.
Summary of significant prognostic factors for NEC by high, moderate and low quality studies
| Prognostic factor | High quality | Moderate quality | Low quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth weight | 1× | 4× | - |
| Gestational age (weeks) | 1× | 3× | - |
| Sepsis | 1× | 2× | - |
| Ethnicity | 1× | 2× | - |
| Hypotension | 1× | 1× | - |
| Outborn | 1× | 1× | - |
| Assisted ventilation | - | 3× | - |
| Cesarean section | - | 2× | - |
| PROM | - | 2× | - |
| Small for gestational age | - | 2× | - |
| Surfactant | - | 2× | - |
The table shows the statistically significant prognostic factors reported in at least two studies. The quality of the studies was ranked high if ≥60 points (≥80% of the maximum score), moderate if 45–59 points (≥60% and <80% of the maximum score) and low if <45 points (<60% of maximum score) were given. Using the QUIPS tool
NEC necrotizing enterocolitis, PDA patent ductus arteriosus, PROM premature rupture of membranes, RDS respiratory distress syndrome, QUIPS quality in prognosis studies