Low serum albumin concentration predicts the need for surgical intervention in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis

Retrospective study of 151 neonates with NEC found that serum albumin ≤20 g/L on day 2 of diagnosis predicts need for surgical intervention with 71% positive predictive value. The 68 neonates requiring surgery showed sustained albumin decline versus medically managed cases, suggesting albumin may serve as a useful biomarker alongside clinical parameters for surgical decision-making in NEC Bell's stage 2.