Necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a neonatal surgical emergency with potentially devastating consequences. Preterm infants of very low birth weight are most at risk with several genetic and environmental risk factors identified. The local microbial environment plays a key role in early life to help reduce the risk of NEC. Breast milk has also shown to be protective. The disease is characterized by infection, inflammation and ischaemia of the bowel affecting focal, segmental or the entire length of bowel.
Source: Surgery (Medicine Publishing) - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Paediatric surgery – II Source Type: research