Necrotizing enterocolitis
From IDWiki
Background
- Complication of prematurity
- Happens in about 10% of very low birth weight infants <1.5 kg
- Associated with enteral feeding, but otherwise unclear pathogenesis
- Affects any part of the intestines, but most commonly terminal ileum, cecum, and ascending colon
Clinical Manifestations
- Only in premature infants
- Bloody stools, abdominal distension, and shock
- At risk of intestinal perforation
- High mortality
- Babies may be left with strictures
