Necrotizing+Enterocolitis

Necrotizing Enterocolitis

swollen baby's stomach due to NEC

** What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)? **  Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a gastrointestinal disease that involves infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the intestine. It occurs in premature babies that usually weigh less than 3 and a half pounds, which is between 1-5% of all premature babies. This is due to their immature bowels, which are prone to infection. NEC usually occurs within the first two weeks of life, usually after feeding has begun.


 * What causes Necrotizing Entercolitis? **

The exact causes of NEC are unknown but several theories do exist. One theory is that since the intestinal tissues of premature babies are weakened, feedings add more stress on the intestine and allows bacteria that are normally found in the intestine to invade and damage the wall of the intestinal tissues. As a result, a hole can appear in the intestine, which allows bacteria to leak into the abdomen and can cause peritonitis. The bacteria that are most common in causing NEC are Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Enterobacter. These bacteria are all gram-negative and are classified as gammaproteobacteria. Another theory is that babies with an increased amount of red blood cells in the circulation have a higher risk of NEC because too many red blood cells thicken the blood and hinder the transport of oxygen to the intestines.


 * Symptoms of NEC:**
 * poor tolerance to feedings
 * feedings stay in stomach longer than expected
 * decreased bowel sounds
 * abdominal distension (bloating) and tenderness
 * greenish (bile-colored) vomit
 * redness of the abdomen
 * increase in stools, or lack of stools
 * bloody stools

** Treatment for NEC: ** Also, the babies belly size is measured and watched carefully and periodic blood samples are taken to test for the presence of bacteria. Stool is also checked for blood. Most infants who develop NEC recover fully and do not have further feeding problems.
 * stopping feedings
 * nasogastric drainage (inserting a tube through the nasal passages down to the stomach to remove air and fluid from the stomach and intestine)
 * <span style="color: #3a1e94; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">intravenous fluids for fluid replacement and nutrition
 * <span style="color: #3a1e94; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">antibiotics for infection
 * <span style="color: #3a1e94; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">frequent examinations and X-rays of the abdomen