A Terrible Disease in Newborns: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

A Terrible Disease in Newborns: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

One of the most dangerous complications in premature or sick babies is NEC, which involves the death of intestinal tissue. The exact cause of NEC is still unknown. It is hypothesized that a decrease in blood flow to the bowel prevents the bowel form producing the mucus that protects the gastrointestinal lining. NEC may also be caused by a bacterial imbalance in the intestine. According to the National Institute of Health, the following infants have a higher risk for NEC:

·         Premature babies

·         Babies fed concentrated formula

·         Babies who have received blood exchange transfusions

·         Babies in a nursery where an outbreak has occurred

NEC is a serious disease, with complications that include intestinal perforation, peritonitis, and sepsis. Standard treatments include replacing oral feedings with intravenous feedings, antibiotic treatment, and sometimes inserting a tube into the stomach to allow the escape of accumulated gas. Sometimes surgery is required to remove dead intestinal tissue.

Despite advances in neonatal intensive care over the past 20 years, the incidence of NEC in preterm neonates has not changed. Mortality of NEC remains around 25 percent, accounting for 1.4 percent of all infant deaths. Early, aggressive treatment improves your baby's chance of survival. This is clearly a disease you would NOT want your baby to have!