Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC): A Devastating Disease of Prematurity

Abstract

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a common and devastating gastrointestinal emergency that primarily affects premature infants. The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis is 6-10% among infants with birth weight less than 1500 grams. The mortality due to NEC has not improved significantly despite advances in neonatal care and better understanding of clinical and basic sciences. The pathogenesis of NEC is not well understood and several factors such as prematurity, abnormal colonization with pathogenic bacteria, feeding practices, blood transfusion and altered intestinal barrier function may be involved. The clinical presentation of NEC could be sudden and the treatment plan could vary with the stage and type of presentation. Further research is needed to better understand the pathophysiology of NEC and, biomarkers for prediction, prevention and treatment need to be developed. Further clinical trials are needed to determine prevention and treatment modalities for this devastating disease.

The Prevalence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Associated Factors Among Enteral Fed Preterm and Low Birth Weight Neonates Admitted in Selected Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study

“… 4 NEC is a common and overwhelming gastrointestinal emergency that mainly affects premature infants. 5 - 7 …”

“… 12 The mortality due to NEC has not reduced considerably despite advances in neonatal care and better knowledge of clinical and basic sciences. 5 …”

“…[5][6][7] NEC is the most recognized lethal gastrointestinal emergency encountered in the NICU. 8,9 The incidence of NEC is 6% to 10% in infants with birth weight less than 1500 g. 5 The evidence revealed that 7 in 100 of all VLBW infants in NICU are probable to develop NEC. 10 The proportion of NEC among neonates with congenital heart disease was 3.7%.…”

“…4 NEC is a common and overwhelming gastrointestinal emergency that mainly affects premature infants. [5][6][7] NEC is the most recognized lethal gastrointestinal emergency encountered in the NICU. 8,9 The incidence of NEC is 6% to 10% in infants with birth weight less than 1500 g. 5 The evidence revealed that 7 in 100 of all VLBW infants in NICU are probable to develop NEC.…”

“…12 The mortality due to NEC has not reduced considerably despite advances in neonatal care and better knowledge of clinical and basic sciences. 5 In spite of advances in neonatal care, NEC remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among premature infants in ICU. 8 NEC is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in VLBW infants.…”