Sharif SP, Friedmacher F, Amin A, et al. - Via retrospectively reviewing data of 151 neonates (median gestational age: 28.4 [range, 23.1–39.0) weeks] with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) Bell's stage 2 and 3, researchers here examined whether serum albumin (SA) concentration could aid in predicting the necessity of surgical intervention in these neonates. Among these neonates, 69 (52.3%) had a birth weight of ≤ 1000 g and 132 (87.4%) had confirmed NEC Bell's stage 2. Observations revealed association of an SA concentration of ≤ 20 g/L on day 2 of the NEC disease process with a higher likelihood for surgical intervention in neonates with NEC Bell's stage 2. They suggest a possible predictive value of SA, in combination with other clinical parameters and serological markers, for surgery in NEC. .