Necrotizing enterocolitis is the death of intestinal tissue. It primarily affects premature infants or sick newborns.

Necrotizing enterocolitis occurs when the lining of the intestinal wall dies and the tissue falls off. The cause for this disorder is unknown. However, it is thought that a decrease in blood flow to the bowel keeps the bowel from producing mucus that protects the gastrointestinal tract. Bacteria in the intestine may also be a cause.

Those with a higher risk for this condition include:

• Premature infants
• Infants who are fed concentrated formulas
• Infants in a nursery where an outbreak has occurred
• Infants who have received blood exchange transfusions

• Abdominal distention
• Blood in the stool
• Diarrhea
• Feeding intolerance
• Lethargy
• Temperature instability
• Vomiting

• Abdominal x-ray
• Stool for occult blood test (guaiac)
• Elevated white blood cell count in a CBC
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Lactic acidosis