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Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Alternate Names : NEC
Definition Necrotizing enterocolitis is an acquired disease, primarily in premature infants or sick newborns, in which intestinal tissue dies.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
In necrotizing enterocolitis, the lining of the intestinal wall dies and the tissue sloughs off. The cause for this disorder is unknown, but it is thought that a decreased blood flow to the bowel keeps the bowel from producing the normal protective mucus. Bacteria in the intestine may also be a causative factor.
At risk are small, premature infants, infants who are fed concentrated formulas, infants in a nursery where an outbreak has occured (suggesting an infectious cause), and infants who have received blood exchange transfusions.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acidosis
• Intestinal Obstruction
• Peritonitis
• Premature Infant
• Sepsis
• Thrombocytopenia
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal Film
• CBC
• WBC Count
Surgery & Procedures
• Colostomy
• Small Bowel Resection
Other Topics
• Abdomen - Swollen
• Bloody or Tarry Stools
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Intravenous
• Nausea and Vomiting
Review Date : 10/9/2003
Reviewed By : Christian Stone, M. D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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