Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition that involves inflammation of the intestines If the condition progresses or is not promptly treated, it can begin to destroy the walls of the infant’s bowels. This can result in the contents of the intestines leaking into the abdomen. Premature babies are at a particularly high risk of this condition. In fact, NEC is one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal-related deaths in premature infants in the NICU.