Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Also known as: necrotizing enterocolitis.

What is necrotizing enterocolitis?

When the lining of the intestines dies off inpremature or even term/pre term infants shortly after birth, this condition is known as necrotizing enterocolitis. The disease can lead to a number of potentially serious complications.
 

What causes necrotizing enterocolitis?

The cause of necrotizing enterocolitis is not entirely clear. A combination of bacteria in the intestines paired with low blood flow to the bowel and immature intestines seems to cause it in some instances. Premature or sick infants are less prepared to fight off the infection than healthier babies.
 

What are the symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis?

Symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis include bloating, diarrhea, feeding problems, blood stools fatigue, vomiting, difficulty with breathing, dropping oxygen and heart rate or blood pressure problems.
 

What are necrotizing enterocolitis care options?

Necrotizing enterocolitis is an emergency situation that requires bowel rest, IV antibiotics as well as fluids and nutrition. In some cases, surgery is required to remove dead tissue and reroute the intestines to allow the passage of stools.

Reviewed by: Shifra A Koyfman, MD

This page was last updated on: March 20, 2019 04:07 PM