What is necrotizing enterocolitis?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious intestinal illness in babies that results in the death of intestinal tissues. NEC can lead to holes or areas of narrowing (strictures) in the intestines and is a cause ofshort bowel syndrome (SBS). In SBS, a child lacks enough small intestine to absorb all the nutrition their growing body needs.
What causes necrotizing enterocolitis?
The cause of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is unknown.Premature babiesor sick newborns are at the greatest risk for NEC, which occurs in about 10 percent of babies weighing less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces.
How is necrotizing enterocolitis diagnosed?
你的医生会检查你的婴儿following symptoms:
- abdominal distention (bloating or swelling)
- feedings that stay in the stomach
- bile-colored (green) fluid in stomach
- bloody bowel movements
- signs of infection such as apnea (stopping breathing), low heart rate, and lethargy (sluggishness)
We may then suggest anx-rayto look for air in the intestines or the large veins of the liver. In some cases, your doctor may insert a needle into your baby's abdominal cavity to look for intestinal fluid, which is often a sign of NEC.
How is necrotizing enterocolitis treated?
Treatment for NEC may include the following:
- stopping feedings
- inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube (nose into stomach) to keep the 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
- isolation procedures (such as protective gowns and gloves) to keep any infection from spreading
In more severe cases, babies with NEC may require:
- surgery to remove diseased intestine or bowel
- connecting part of the intestine or bowel to an ostomy (opening on the abdomen)
How we care for necrotizing enterocolitis
At Boston Children's Hospital, we treat children with NEC in ourCenter for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation (CAIR), which includes ateamof experts with decades of experience in caring for children with intestinal problems and their families. Our specialists include:
- physicians trained in surgery, gastroenterology, and nutrition
- registered dieticians
- nurse practitioners
- nurses
- pharmacist
- social worker
Necrotizing Enterocolitis |Programs & Services
Departments
Surgery
Department
The Department of Pediatric Surgery at Boston Children's Hospital provides general and specialized surgical services to infants, children, and adolescents suffering from a wide range of congenital and acquired conditions.
Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Department
Our team of experts is dedicated to treating infants, children, adolescents and young adults with both common and complex gastrointestinal liver and nutritional problems.
Infectious Diseases
Department
Boston Children's Hospital - Division of Infectious Diseases
Programs
Home Parenteral Nutrition Program
Program
Boston Children's Hospital - Home Parenteral Nutrition Program
Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation (CAIR)
Program
Boston Children's Hospital - Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation
Learn more about Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation (CAIR)