An acquired disease, primarily in premature infants or sick newborns, in which intestinal tissue dies. The cause for this disorder is unknown, but it is thought that a decreased blood flow to the bowel keeps the bowel from producing the normal protective mucus. Bacteria in the intestine may also be a causative factor. Many cases are not preventable. In an infant with suspected necrotizing enterocolitis, feedings are stopped and the bowel is decompressed of gas by inserting a small tube into the stomach.
Intravenous fluid is started to replace feedings of formula or breast milk .
Antibiotic therapy is started. The infant's condition is monitored with abdominal X-rays , blood tests, and blood gases . The dead bowel tissue is removed and a colostomy or ileostomy is performed. The bowel is then reconnected several weeks or months later when the infection and inflammation have healed. The outcome is improved by aggressive, early treatment.