Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Also written as: NEC — Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Life-threatening intestinal inflammatory condition primarily affecting premature infants.
Full Definition
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating gastrointestinal emergency that predominantly affects premature infants, characterized by intestinal inflammation, necrosis, and potential perforation. The condition has a multifactorial etiology involving prematurity, formula feeding, bacterial overgrowth, and compromised intestinal blood flow. Clinical presentation includes feeding intolerance, abdominal distension, bloody stools, and systemic signs of sepsis. Radiographic findings may show pneumatosis intestinalis, portal venous gas, or pneumoperitoneum. Treatment ranges from conservative medical management with bowel rest and antibiotics to emergency surgical intervention for perforation or clinical deterioration.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as NEC; staged according to Bell criteria for severity assessment.
In Context
- "The preterm infant developed stage III necrotizing enterocolitis requiring emergency laparotomy." — operative report
- "Abdominal radiographs showed pneumatosis intestinalis consistent with necrotizing enterocolitis." — radiology report