Necrotizing enterocolitis.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common acquired gastrointestinal disease of premature neonates and is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality. NEC is one of the leading causes of death in neonatal intensive care units. Surgical treatment is necessary in patients whose disease progresses despite medical therapy. Surgical options include peritoneal drainage and laparotomy, with studies showing no difference in outcome related to approach. Survivors, particularly those requiring surgery, face serious sequelae.
Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
Kathleen M
KM
Dominguez
R Lawrence
RL
Moss
D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*