An acquired disease, primarily in premature infants or sick newborns, in which intestinal tissue dies. In necrotizing enterocolitis, the lining of the intestinal wall dies and the tissue sloughs off. 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. 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.