New ultrasound combo may spot deadly gut disease in preemies faster

NCT ID NCT05573113

Completed Diagnosis Sponsor: Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding a bowel ultrasound to the standard abdominal X-ray helps doctors diagnose necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) — a dangerous gut infection in premature babies — more accurately. Researchers enrolled 169 infants in the NICU and compared how quickly they could return to normal feeding under each imaging approach. The goal is to see if the extra ultrasound reduces unnecessary delays in care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If bowel ultrasound proves more accurate, it could help doctors diagnose NEC faster and reduce unnecessary treatment delays in fragile newborns.
What could go wrong: This is a completed, moderate-sized study, but ultrasound accuracy depends on operator skill, and results may not apply to all hospitals.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

necrotizing enterocolitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Children's Mercy Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri, 64086, United States
University of Kansas Medical Center

Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States

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