Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the death of tissue in the intestine. It occurs most often in premature or sick babies.
NEC occurs when the lining of the intestinal wall dies. This problem nearly always develops in an infant who is ill or premature. It is likely to occur while the infant is still in the hospital.
The exact cause of this disorder is unknown. A drop in blood flow to the bowel can damage the tissue. Bacteria in the intestine may also add to the problem. Also, premature infants have an undeveloped immune response to factors such as bacteria or low blood flow. An imbalance in immune regulation appears to be involved in NEC.
Babies at higher risk for the condition include:
Symptoms may come on slowly or suddenly, and may include:
Treatment for a baby who may have NEC most often includes:
The infant will need surgery if there is a hole in the intestines or inflammation of the abdominal wall (peritonitis).
In this surgery, the doctor will:
The bowel may be reconnected after several weeks or months when the infection has healed.
Steven Mcelroy is a Neonatologist and a Pediatrics doctor in Iowa City, Iowa. Dr. Mcelroy has been practicing medicine for over 23 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis. He is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Premature Infant, Neonatal Sepsis, and Patent Ductus Arteriosus. He is licensed to treat patients in Tennessee, Iowa, and California. Dr. Mcelroy is currently accepting new patients.
Amy Hair is a Neonatologist and a Pediatrics doctor in Houston, Texas. Dr. Hair is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis. She is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Premature Infant, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, and Small for Gestational Age. She is licensed to treat patients in Texas. Dr. Hair is currently accepting new patients.
David Hackam is a General Surgeon and a Pediatrics doctor in Cheverly, Maryland. Dr. Hackam has been practicing medicine for over 30 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis. He is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Necrosis, Premature Infant, and Short Bowel Syndrome. He is licensed to treat patients in Maryland. Dr. Hackam is currently accepting new patients.
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious disease. Up to 40% of infants with NEC die from it. Early, aggressive treatment can help improve the outcome.
Complications may include:
Get emergency medical care if any symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis develop. Infants who are hospitalized for illness or prematurity are at higher risk for NEC. They are watched closely for this problem before they are sent home.
Published Date : April 14, 2021
Published By : Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Kudin O, Neu J. Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 85.
Seed PC. The microbiome and pediatric health. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 196.