NEC Campaign

Necrotizing enterocolitis, NEC, is an often fatal condition that mainly affects infants born prematurely or those with significantly low birth weights. The condition causes inflammation of the lining of the intestine, which can cause it to perforate. When not treated immediately, the result can be organ failure and death of the infant.Infants most at risk for NEC are those who:• Have a birth weight of 5.5 pounds or less • Are born prior to the 37th week of pregnancy • Have used a feeding tube that is placed directly into the stomachThe occurrence of NEC is roughly 1 in 1,000 births, but those who are carried to full term rarely experience NEC. Full-term babies that are at an increased risk of suffering NEC include those born with a congenital heart condition, those with their intestines outside the body, or those with a low oxygen level at birth.Parents should know that NEC typically occurs in babies from 2 to 6 weeks old and can progress very swiftly. Signs of NEC include abdominal pain and swelling, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, and bloody diarrhea. Seek immediate medical care if you see any of these symptoms in your child.