Necrotizing Enterocolitis(NEC)Pronounced: NECK-ro-tize-ing ENT-ero-co-LYE-tis
by
Julie Rackliffe Lucey, MS DefinitionNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition of the intestine. The intestine digests food as it propels it through the digestive tract. NEC involves intestinal inflammation and tissue death. This condition often occurs soon after your baby starts feeding. NEC can be a serious condition and requires immediate care. It often occurs in the first 2 weeks of life, but can occur as late as 3 months of age. The baby is often still in the hospital when NEC starts.
Causes TOPThe exact cause of NEC is not known. Below is a possible series of events that can lead to NEC:
Risk Factors TOPNEC is mostly found in premature and very low birthweight babies, but it can occur in full-term infants. Factors that may increase your baby's chance of NEC include:
Symptoms TOPNEC may cause:
General signs of infection include:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your baby’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your baby's doctor will work with a specialist to diagnose NEC. Your baby's bodily fluids will be tested. This can be done with:
Images may be taken of your baby's bodily structures. This can be done with: Treatment TOPMost babies who get NEC have a complete recovery. Treatment usually takes between 3 to 14 days. Treatment options include combinations of the following: Empty the StomachAir or liquid in a baby’s intestine can make the condition worse. The baby will need to stop feeding. A tube will be placed through the baby's nose into the stomach. This tube will remove liquid and air from the baby’s stomach. This helps the intestine heal. Nutrition and fluids will be given to your the through an IV. An IV can deliver nutrition directly into the child's blood stream. AntibioticsAntibiotics are used to fight infections caused by bacteria. The baby may be given antibiotics if an infection is present or possible. X-Rays TOPX-rays will be done often. They will help the doctor see the progress of the NEC. Oxygen TOPNEC can cause swelling in the stomach. This may make it difficult for the baby to breathe. Oxygen may be given to improve the baby's oxygen levels. A ventilator may be used to help or take over breathing for the baby. Infection Prevention TOPSome infections can pass easily through touch or near contact. Certain steps can keep these infections from spreading. Caretakers may wear gowns and gloves to protect the baby and others. Regular handwashing is also important for infection prevention. Surgery TOPFor some, the damage to the intestine may be severe. In this case, surgery may be needed. Surgery is done to remove the damaged part of the intestine. The healthy parts are sewn back together when possible. Sometimes there is too much damage to be able to sew the intestine back together. In this case, part of the intestine will be connected to an opening in the abdomen wall. The opening will allow waste products to pass to a bag outside the body. Prevention TOPPrevention is difficult since the exact cause of NEC is unknown. Some steps that may be helpful include:
RESOURCES:Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics https://www.healthychildren.org National Institute of Child Health and Human Development https://www.nichd.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada https://www.canada.ca Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca References:Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Evidence-based care guideline for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among very low birth weight infants. Cincinnati (OH): Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; 2010 Oct 7. Accessed July 25, 2012.
Necrotizing enterocolitis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated September 4, 2017. Accessed September 21, 2017.
Pietz J, Achanti B, et al. Prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: A 20-year experience.
Pediatrics. 2007; 119:164-170. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 9/30/2013 | |
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