In the most severe case of NEC, a hole (perforation) can form in your baby’s intestines. If this happens, bacteria in the intestinal tract can leak into the intestinal wall and even into the abdominal cavity causing further infection. If the abdominal cavity becomes infected, it can very quickly lead to systemic and deadly infection of the bloodstream called sepsis.
Intestinal infections are very difficult for a baby to fight. Even with timely and appropriate treatment, serious complications can occur quickly
Intestinal scarring or narrow areas (strictures)
Inability to absorb food/nutrients
A hole in the intestine (perforation)
Severe infection affecting the entire body (sepsis)
Death