Necrotizing enterocolitis

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Necrotizing enterocolitis (pronounced: nek-roe-TIE-zing en-ter-oh-co-LIE-tis) is a serious medical condition where a portion of the bowel dies. It typically occurs in newborns that are either premature or sick in other ways.

Etymology

The term "Necrotizing enterocolitis" is derived from the Greek words "nekros" meaning "dead", "enteron" meaning "intestine", and "-itis" denoting inflammation.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include poor feeding, bloating, decreased activity, blood in the stool, or vomiting of bile.

Causes

The exact cause is unclear. Risk factors include congenital heart disease, birth asphyxia, exchange transfusion, and premature birth. It is believed to involve a combination of poor blood flow and infection of the intestines.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on symptoms and confirmed by medical imaging.

Treatment

Treatment may include bowel rest, nasogastric suction, fluid resuscitation, and parenteral nutrition. If these measures are not effective or if there is bowel perforation, surgical removal of the dead bowel is typically required.

Related Terms

See Also

External links

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