Necrotizing enterocolitis
Inflammatory disease of the GI mucosa involving mucosal or transmucosal necrosis of part of the intestine
Most commonly occurring in preterm neonates, usually between 3 and 10 days after birth
Occurring in any portion of the bowel; most commonly affecting the distal ileum and proximal colon
Causes
Unknown; appears to occur in neonates whose GI tract has suffered vascular compromise
Prenatal factors: preterm labor, prolonged rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, maternal sepsis, amnionitis, and uterine hypoxia
Postnatal factors: respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, congenital heart disease, exchange transfusion, low birth weight, low Apgar scores, umbilical catheterization, hypothermia, GI infection, hypoglycemia, and asphyxia
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