Necrotizing enterocolitis: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name                    = Necrotizing enterocolitis
| image                  = [[File:Necrotizing_enterocolitis_202.jpg|250px]]
| caption                = Radiograph showing necrotizing enterocolitis
| field                  = [[Gastroenterology]], [[Neonatology]]
| synonyms                = NEC
| symptoms                = [[Feeding intolerance]], [[abdominal distension]], [[bloody stools]], [[lethargy]]
| complications          = [[Intestinal perforation]], [[sepsis]], [[short bowel syndrome]]
| onset                  = Usually within the first 2 weeks of life
| duration                = Varies
| causes                  = Multifactorial, including [[prematurity]], [[enteral feeding]], [[intestinal ischemia]]
| risks                  = [[Premature birth]], [[formula feeding]], [[intestinal hypoxia]]
| diagnosis              = [[Abdominal X-ray]], [[clinical presentation]]
| differential            = [[Sepsis]], [[spontaneous intestinal perforation]], [[gastroenteritis]]
| prevention              = [[Breastfeeding]], [[probiotics]], [[slow feeding advancement]]
| treatment              = [[Bowel rest]], [[nasogastric decompression]], [[antibiotics]], [[surgery]]
| prognosis              = Variable, depends on severity and complications
| frequency              = Affects 1-5% of [[neonates]] in [[neonatal intensive care units]]
}}
'''Necrotizing enterocolitis''' ('''NEC''') is a [[medical condition]] primarily seen in [[premature infants]], where portions of the [[bowel]] undergo [[necrosis]] (tissue death).  
'''Necrotizing enterocolitis''' ('''NEC''') is a [[medical condition]] primarily seen in [[premature infants]], where portions of the [[bowel]] undergo [[necrosis]] (tissue death).  
== Signs and Symptoms ==
== Signs and Symptoms ==
The symptoms of NEC can vary but often include poor feeding, bloating, decreased activity, blood in the stool, or vomiting of bile.
The symptoms of NEC can vary but often include poor feeding, bloating, decreased activity, blood in the stool, or vomiting of bile.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
The exact cause of NEC is unknown, but it is thought to occur when the lining of the bowel wall is weakened by a lack of oxygen or blood flow. When this happens, bacteria from the food that is digested can damage the bowel wall.  
The exact cause of NEC is unknown, but it is thought to occur when the lining of the bowel wall is weakened by a lack of oxygen or blood flow. When this happens, bacteria from the food that is digested can damage the bowel wall.  
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
NEC is usually diagnosed through a combination of [[X-ray]] findings, the presence of blood in the stool, and the symptoms that the infant is having.  
NEC is usually diagnosed through a combination of [[X-ray]] findings, the presence of blood in the stool, and the symptoms that the infant is having.  
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for NEC includes stopping all feedings, giving intravenous fluids and antibiotics, and removing gas from the intestines. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the dead parts of the bowel.
Treatment for NEC includes stopping all feedings, giving intravenous fluids and antibiotics, and removing gas from the intestines. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the dead parts of the bowel.
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for infants with NEC varies. Some infants respond well to treatment and recover fully, while others may have long-term health problems or die from the condition.
The prognosis for infants with NEC varies. Some infants respond well to treatment and recover fully, while others may have long-term health problems or die from the condition.
== Prevention ==
== Prevention ==
Prevention of NEC includes the use of breast milk and probiotics, as well as careful feeding practices in premature infants.
Prevention of NEC includes the use of breast milk and probiotics, as well as careful feeding practices in premature infants.
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Neonatal_necrotizing_enterocolitis,_gross_pathology_20G0022_lores.jpg|Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, gross pathology
File:Neonatal_necrotizing_enterocolitis,_gross_pathology_20G0023_lores.jpg|Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, gross pathology
</gallery>
== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Premature birth]]
* [[Premature birth]]
* [[Infant mortality]]
* [[Infant mortality]]
* [[Pediatric surgery]]
* [[Pediatric surgery]]
== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Gastrointestinal tract disorders]]
[[Category:Gastrointestinal tract disorders]]
[[Category:Neonatology]]
[[Category:Neonatology]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Infant health]]
[[Category:Infant health]]
{{stub}}
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 06:16, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Necrotizing enterocolitis
Synonyms NEC
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Feeding intolerance, abdominal distension, bloody stools, lethargy
Complications Intestinal perforation, sepsis, short bowel syndrome
Onset Usually within the first 2 weeks of life
Duration Varies
Types N/A
Causes Multifactorial, including prematurity, enteral feeding, intestinal ischemia
Risks Premature birth, formula feeding, intestinal hypoxia
Diagnosis Abdominal X-ray, clinical presentation
Differential diagnosis Sepsis, spontaneous intestinal perforation, gastroenteritis
Prevention Breastfeeding, probiotics, slow feeding advancement
Treatment Bowel rest, nasogastric decompression, antibiotics, surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, depends on severity and complications
Frequency Affects 1-5% of neonates in neonatal intensive care units
Deaths N/A


Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a medical condition primarily seen in premature infants, where portions of the bowel undergo necrosis (tissue death).

Signs and Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of NEC can vary but often include poor feeding, bloating, decreased activity, blood in the stool, or vomiting of bile.

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of NEC is unknown, but it is thought to occur when the lining of the bowel wall is weakened by a lack of oxygen or blood flow. When this happens, bacteria from the food that is digested can damage the bowel wall.

Diagnosis[edit]

NEC is usually diagnosed through a combination of X-ray findings, the presence of blood in the stool, and the symptoms that the infant is having.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for NEC includes stopping all feedings, giving intravenous fluids and antibiotics, and removing gas from the intestines. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the dead parts of the bowel.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for infants with NEC varies. Some infants respond well to treatment and recover fully, while others may have long-term health problems or die from the condition.

Prevention[edit]

Prevention of NEC includes the use of breast milk and probiotics, as well as careful feeding practices in premature infants.

Gallery[edit]

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

<references />

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