Pathophysiology and Current Management of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis continues to be a common and life-threatening gastrointestinal emergency in the low birth weight infant. Prematurity, ischemia, enteral feeding, and infectious disease have been identified as common risk factors, however the exact cause of NEC other than prematurity is yet to be identified. Good assessment skills by the nurse are imperative, because clinical signs of NEC can be both subtle and catastrophic. Frequent radiographs are essential for the diagnosis of NEC and ongoing assessment of neonates diagnosed with NEC. Radiographs including an abdominal flat plate examination and a left lateral decubitus film to evaluate for free air should be obtained every 6-8 hours in the neonates with Stages II and III NEC.