High-Risk Newborn

Necrotizing Enterocolitis

What is necrotizing enterocolitis?

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious intestinal illness in babies.
 "necrotizing" means damage and death of cells
 "entero" refers to the intestine
 "colitis" means inflammation of the colon (lower part of the intestine)
Although NEC may develop in low-risk newborns, most cases occur in
premature babies. NEC is more common in babies weighing less than 1,500
grams (3 pounds, 4 ounces).

What causes necrotizing enterocolitis?

It is not clear exactly what causes NEC. It is thought that the intestinal
tissues are somehow weakened by too little oxygen or blood flow. When
feedings are started and the food moves into the weakened area of the
intestinal tract, bacteria from the food can damage the intestinal tissues. The
tissues may be severely damaged and die, which can cause a hole to
develop in the intestine. This can lead to severe infection in the abdomen.

Who is affected by necrotizing enterocolitis?

 Premature babies have body systems that are less mature than full-
term babies. As a result, they may have difficulty with blood and
oxygen circulation, digestion, and fighting infection, thus, increasing
their chances of developing NEC.

 High-risk babies, especially premature babies, who are taking milk

by mouth or tube feedings are at an increased risk for developing
NEC. NEC is rare in babies who have not received feedings.

 Babies who have had a difficult delivery or lowered oxygen levels

are at an increased risk for developing NEC. When there is too little
oxygen, the body sends the most blood and oxygen to essential
organs and away from the intestinal tract. This can result in lowered
oxygen in the gastrointestinal circulation.

 Babies with too many red blood cells in the circulation are at an
increased risk of developing NEC. This thickens the blood and
makes oxygen transport more difficult.

 Babies with gastrointestinal infections are at an increased risk of

developing NEC.

Why is necrotizing enterocolitis a concern?

Damage to the intestinal tissues can lead to perforation (a hole) in the
intestines. This allows the bacteria normally present in the intestinal tract to
leak out into the abdomen and cause infection. The damage may only exist
in a small area or it may progress to large areas of the intestine. The disease
can progress very quickly. Infection in the intestines can be overwhelming to
a baby and, even with treatment, there may be serious complications.
Problems from NEC may include the following:
  perforation (hole) in the intestine
 scarring or strictures (narrowing) of the intestine
 problems with food absorption if large amounts of intestine must be
removed
 severe, overwhelming infection

What are the symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis?

The following are the most common signs of necrotizing enterocolitis.
However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms
usually develop in the first 2 weeks and may include the following:
 abdominal distention (bloating or swelling)

 feedings stay in stomach

 bile-colored (green) fluid in stomach

 bloody bowel movements

 signs of infection such as apnea (stopping breathing), low heart rate,

lethargy (sluggishness)
The symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis may resemble other digestive
conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a
diagnosis.

How is necrotizing enterocolitis diagnosed?

NEC is diagnosed by examining the baby for the signs listed above. An x-ray
of the abdomen may show a bubbly appearance in the intestine and signs of
air or gas in the large veins of the liver. Air may also be outside the intestines
in the abdomen.

Treatment for necrotizing enterocolitis:

Specific treatment for necrotizing enterocolitis will be determined by your
baby's physician based on the following:
 your baby's gestational age, overall health, and medical history
 extent of the disease
 tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
 expectations for the course of the disease
 your opinion or preference
Treatment may include the following:
 stopping feedings

 nasogastric (NG) tube (nose into stomach) to keep stomach empty

 intravenous fluids (IV) for nutrition and fluid replacement

 antibiotics for infection

 frequent x-rays to monitor the progress of the disease

 extra oxygen or mechanically assisted breathing if the abdomen is

so swollen that it interferes with breathing
  isolation procedures (such as protective gowns and gloves) to keep
any infection from spreading
Severe cases of NEC may require:
 placement of a drain into the abdominal cavity to remove infected
fluid
 surgery to remove diseased intestine or bowel
 creation of a stoma and mucous fistula
The ends of the intestine are brought through the openings in the
abdomen. The upper portion allows stool to pass through the
opening (stoma) and into a collection bag. The lower stoma is
known as a mucous fustula.

Prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis:

Because the exact causes of NEC are unclear, prevention is often difficult.
Studies have found that breast milk (rather than formula) may reduce the
incidence of NEC. Also, starting feedings after a baby is stable and slowly
increasing feeding amounts have been recommended.