Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Pediatric

May W. Chen, MD, Susan W. Aucott, MD and David J. Hackam, MD, PhD, FACS Reviewed 10/2018

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening gastrointestinal (GI) emergency that occurs in the newborn period and consists of diffuse necrotic injury to the bowel, which ca...

DIAGNOSIS

ALERT

Delay in making the correct diagnosis of NEC and instituting appropriate therapy may lead to a rapid progression of symptoms and often a worse outcome.

PHYSICAL EXAM

The triad of abdomin...

TREATMENT

The best therapy for NEC is prevention. When present, early recognition and rapid medical management of infants with NEC are critical to minimize the progression of this aggressive disease. ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Despite early recognition and intervention, NEC is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality.

DIET

During acute illness, NPO and TPN
On resolution of il...

ADDITIONAL READING

Christensen RD, Lambert DK, Baer VL, et al. Necrotizing enterocolitis in term infants. Clin Perinatol. 2013;40(1):69–78. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]
Fallon EM, Nehra D, Pot...

CODES

ICD9

777.50 Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn, unspecified
777.51 Stage I necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn
777.52 Stage II necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn
777.53 Stage III necrotizing en...

FAQ

Q: What are the most common complications of NEC?
A: Mortality, poor growth, prolonged hospitalization, and the development of intestinal strictures
Q: Is NEC preventable?
A: The development of NEC i...

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