Availability, utilization, and barriers to bowel ultrasound for necrotizing enterocolitis: a national multidisciplinary survey.

Creator(s)

• Alain Cuna, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
• Julie D. Thai
• Kera McNelis
• Loren Berman
• Katie Huff
• Sujir Pritha Nayak
• Amy E. O'Connell
• Catherine J. Hunter
• Hala Chaaban
• Eshanika Manchanda
• Amina M. Bhatia
• Kate Louise M. Mangona
• Leeann Pavlek
• Parvesh Garg
• Lauren C. Frazer
• Mohan Pammi
• Catalina Le Cacheux
• Bhuvaneshwari Jagadesan
• Toby D. Yanowitz
• Irfan Ahmad
• Muralidhar H. Premkumar

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2026

Identifier

DOI: 10.1038/s41372-026-02677-y

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To characterize availability, utilization, and barriers to bowel ultrasound (BUS) for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

METHODS: A survey of neonatologists, surgeons, and radiologists at Children's Hospitals' Neonatal Consortium (CHNC) sites. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively; open-ended responses underwent thematic analysis.

RESULTS: In total, 104 respondents from 42/46 institutions participated. BUS was available at 83% of level IV NICU sites, with 64% reporting 24/7 availability. However, only 42% of affiliated level III NICUs had BUS available. BUS was primarily used alongside radiographs in cases of diagnostic uncertainty and variably used to guide surgical decisions. Radiologists frequently used protocols while neonatologists and surgeons reported limited training and few institutional guidelines. Key barriers included lack of standardization, inadequate training, and unclear clinical utility.

CONCLUSION: BUS is increasingly available in level IV NICUs but less so in level III NICUs. Even when available, clinical integration is inconsistent due to gaps in standardization, training, and supporting evidence.

Journal Title

Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association

Volume

46

Issue

5

First Page

801

Last Page

807

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing; Ultrasonography; Infant, Newborn; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Surveys and Questionnaires; Neonatologists; Health Services Accessibility; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Intestines

PubMed ID

41957166

Keywords

Necrotizing Enterocolitis; Ultrasonography; Neonatal Intensive Care Units; Surveys and Questionnaires; Neonatologists; Health Services Accessibility; Physicians' Practice Patterns; Intestines

Recommended Citation

Cuna A, Thai JD, McNelis K, et al. Availability, utilization, and barriers to bowel ultrasound for necrotizing enterocolitis: a national multidisciplinary survey. J Perinatol. 2026;46(5):801-807. doi:10.1038/s41372-026-02677-y