title: Prevention and early recognition of necrotizing enterocolitis: a tale of 2 tools--eNEC and GutCheckNEC.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Risk for neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is complex, reflecting its multifactorial pathogenesis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To improve risk awareness and facilitate communication among neonatal caregivers, especially nurses, 2 tools were developed.
  
  
  METHODS
  GutCheck was derived and validated as part of a formal research study over 3 phases, evidence synthesis, expert consensus building, and statistical modeling. The Wetzel/Krisman tool, eNEC, was developed and tested as part of a quality improvement initiative in a single clinical setting using evidence synthesis, review by internal expert clinicians, and implementation and evaluation of its use by direct line neonatal staff. Refinement of both tools is under way to evaluate their effect on clinical decision making, early identification of NEC and surgical NEC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinicians can take an active role to reduce NEC in their units by focusing on modifiable risk factors such as adoption of standardized feeding protocols, preferential feeding of human milk, and antibiotic and histamine blocker stewardship.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Feeding during transfusion remains controversial, but judicious use of transfusions, adoption of transfusion guidelines, and withholding feeding during transfusion are feasible measures with potential benefit to prevent NEC and confer little risk.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson (Dr Gephart), and Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois (Mss Wetzel and Krisman).
authors.forename: Sheila M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gephart
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wetzel
authors.forename: Brittany
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Krisman
mesh_terms: D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000193:education*; D012307:Risk Factors