HAEC
Also written as: HAEC — Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis
Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis, a life-threatening inflammatory complication requiring immediate intervention.
Full Definition
HAEC (Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis) is a serious inflammatory condition that can occur in patients with Hirschsprung disease, characterized by bowel distention, fever, and explosive diarrhea. This complication can be life-threatening and requires prompt recognition and treatment. In medical documentation, HAEC is always capitalized and may be graded according to severity scales. Editors must distinguish this from other forms of enterocolitis in pediatric patients.
Usage
Usage note: Always written in capital letters; distinguish from NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis).
In Context
- "The patient developed HAEC requiring urgent colonic decompression." — Surgery case report
- "HAEC grading was performed using the modified Pastor criteria." — Research manuscript