About Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

What is NEC?

Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is a common disease of the intestinal tract in which the tissue lining the intestine becomes inflamed, dies, and can slough off.

The condition typically affects infants who are born preterm or who are already sick, and it usually occurs before the newborn leaves the hospital.1

NEC usually begins within the first 2 or 3 weeks after birth in preterm infants who otherwise appear to be getting healthier.2

Citations

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2011). Necrotizing enterocolitis. Retrieved August 1, 2012, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001148.htm
  2. Medscape. (2012). Necrotizing enterocolitis. Retrieved August 14, 2012, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/977956-overview external link
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