Patrick A. Dillon, M.D.

DEPARTMENT OF Surgery
Keywords: necrotizing enterocolitis, apoptosis, microarray, pediatric oncology, pediatric trauma

As the population of premature infants continues to rise, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality; however, the etiology of NEC remains unclear. The objective of our investigation is to determine the mechanism of cell death for intestinal enterocytes and lymphocytes in infants with NEC. As accelerated apoptosis has been linked to injury-induced organ dysfunction and death in adults, we hypothesize that apoptosis in infants with NEC may contribute to the pathophysiology of this severe illness. In addition, utilizing microarray technology we hope to find a genetic profile for early-onset NEC that predicts outcome and a genetic profile that is predictive of need for surgery. We are also continuing to evaluate the optimal use of primary peritoneal drainage and primary laparotomy for infants with NEC.

The Division of Pediatric Surgery continues to be an active participant in additional areas of clinical investigation. This includes patients with pediatric solid tumors who are enrolled in protocols sponsored by the Children’s Oncology Group and children with blunt abdominal trauma who sustain solid-organ injuries.