Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Definition
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious bacterial infection in the intestine, primarily affecting sick or premature newborn infants. It can cause the death (necrosis) of intestinal tissue and progress to blood poisoning (septicemia).
Description
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious infection that can produce complications in the intestine itself such as ulcers, perforations or holes in the intestinal wall, and tissue necrosis. It can also progress to life-threatening septicemia. Necrotizing enterocolitis most commonly affects the ileum, the lower portion of the small intestine. It is less common in the colon and upper small bowel.
Demographics
It is estimated that narcotizing enterocolitis...
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