Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Overview :

Necrotizing enterocolitis develops in approximately 10% of newborns weighing less than 800 g (under 2 lbs). It is a serious infection that can produce complications in the intestine itself'such as ulcers, perforations (holes) in the intestinal wall, and tissue necrosis'as well as progress to life-threatening septicemia. Necrotizing enterocolitis most commonly affects the lower portion of the small intestine (ileum). It is less common in the colon and upper small bowel.