Necrotizing enterocolitis

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