Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious intestinal disease that mainly affects premature infants. It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among gastrointestinal conditions in infants. The exact cause is not fully understood, and both prevention and treatment remain challenging. Rather than being a single disease, NEC refers to a group of conditions involving intestinal injury and dysfunction.
Symptoms of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
NEC often begins with vague, non-specific signs that can be difficult to recognize early on. Early symptoms of NEC are often nonspecific and may include:
- Subtle changes in vital signs (e.g., temperature, heart rate)
- New or increased episodes of apnea (pauses in breathing)
- Poor feeding or intolerance to feeding
- Vomiting
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more evident but remain variable. Infants may present with:
- Decreased muscle tone or breathing difficulty
- Unstable blood pressure or heart rate
- Abdominal swelling, discoloration, or reduced bowel sounds
In severe cases, NEC can lead to peritonitis (infection of the abdominal lining), bowel perforation, shock, or even death.
What Causes Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
The pathogenesis of NEC is complex and involves multiple contributing factors, particularly in premature infants.
Known risk factors include:
- Formula feeding
- Reduced intestinal blood flow (ischemia)
- Delayed or impaired bowel motility
- Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota
- Immaturity of the intestinal barrier and immune system
These factors can act together to weaken the intestinal lining, making it more vulnerable to inflammation, infection, and injury.