The condition was first described between 1888 and 1891. Signs and symptoms
The condition is typically seen in premature infants, and the timing of its onset is generally inversely proportional to the gestational age of the baby at birth (i.e., the earlier a baby is born, the later signs of NEC are typically seen).Initial symptoms include feeding intolerance and failure to thrive, increased gastric residuals, abdominal distension, and bloody stools. Symptoms may progress rapidly to abdominal discoloration with intestinal perforation and peritonitis and systemic hypotension requiring intensive medical support. Cause
The exact cause is unclear. Several risk factors have been implicated:

Maternal factors
Acid-suppressing medications
Chorioamnionitis
Cocaine abuse
In utero growth restriction
Increased body mass index
Intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy
Lack of prenatal steroids
Mode of delivery
Placental abruption
Pre-eclampsia
Smoking

Main risk factors
Low birth weight
Prematurity
Formula feeding (bovine based)
Intestinal dysbiosis

Other risk factors
Acute hypoxia
Antibiotic exposure
Blood transfusions
Cardiac anomalies
Neonatal anemia
Poor intestinal perfusion
Prolonged use of indomethacin for patent  ductus arteriosus closure

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually suspected clinically, but often requires the aid of diagnostic imaging, most commonly radiography, which can show the intestines and may show areas with death tissue or a bowel perforation.
Long-term complications of medical NEC include bowel obstruction and anemia.In the United States, NEC caused 355 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013, down from 484 per 100,000 live births in 2009. Rates of death were almost three times higher for the black population than for the white population.When NEC is diagnosed and treated immediately, the prognosis for babies is generally very good. Most babies recover fully without any additional health problems. Overall, about 70-80% of infants who develop NEC survive. Medical management of NEC shows an increased chance of survival compared to surgical management. Despite a significant mortality risk, long-term prognosis for infants undergoing NEC surgery is improving, with survival rates of 70–80%. However, "Surgical NEC" survivors are still at risk for possible long-term complications, such as narrowing of the intestines or short bowel syndrome and neurodevelopmental disability. References


== External links ==