In infants with suspected NEC, normal serial CRP values would favor aborted antibiotic therapy and early resumption of feedings. CRP becomes abnormal in both stage II and stage III NEC. In infants with NEC, persistently elevated CRP after initiation of appropriate medical management suggests associated complications, which may require surgical intervention.

Ultrasonography has been shown to be valuable in the detection of intussusception, but a question arises, as to just when this study should be performed. Should it be a general screening procedure or should it be utilized for specific cases only? Upon reviewing the literature, and the findings in 14 of our patients, we feel that it should be utilized as a general screening procedure. In addition, we offer a different explanation for the typical doughnut and pseudokidney signs seen with intussusception.

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