Fatal bowel necrosis in two polycytemic term neonates

We observed 2 term neonates with polycythemia (hematocrit > 70%) who developed necrotizing entercolitis (NEC) in the first week, after birth. Both required laparotomy after which the surgeons stated that the entire bowel appeared nonviable. Both had been fed formula exclusively and both received full feedings (>= 160 mL/kg/day) by 72 hr after birth.