An explanation of NEC, it's symptoms, stages, and treatment options in premature babies

1. Necrotizing
Enterocolitis:
Symptoms,
Stages, and
Treatment

2. What is
Necrotizing
Enterocolitis?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) occurs in
premature infants and involves damage
to the intestine. It can range from a
small mucosal lesion to full thickness
necrosis (death) of a portion of the
bowel.
GENERAL MEETING | 2020

3. Symptoms of
NEC
Feeding intolerance
Abdominal distention
Temperature instability
Lethargy
Vomiting
Bloody stools
If not promptly diagnosed and treated,
NEC can lead to bowel perforation,
peritonitis, sepsis and death.
Initial symptoms of NEC include:

4. Diagnosing NEC
NEC is usually suspected clinically, but is
confirmed with x-rays or other radiologic
studies. Diagnostic studies help identify
the severity, or Bell’s stage, of the disease.

5. Bell’s Stage 1:
Suspected Disease
Mild systemic disease with apnea
Bradycardia and temperature instability
Mild abdominal distention
Feeding residuals
Bloody stools
Normal or non-specific radiologic signs

6. Bell’s Stage 2:
Definite Disease
Moderate systemic symptoms
Pneumatosis intestinalis or portal
venous air on radiology studies
Blood test results showing metabolic
acidosis or thrombocytopenia

7. Bell’s Stage 3:
Advanced Disease
Severe systemic illness with unstable
vital signs or low blood pressure
Severe abdominal distention or
peritonitis
Pneumoperitoneum or air in the
abdominal cavity
Worsening blood test results,
respiratory acidosis or disseminated
intravascular coagulation (DIC)

8. Treating NEC
NEC can develop at any time in the absence of
medical negligence, but once it is suspected,
treatments must be started immediately to
minimize the extent of damage to the bowel.
Treatment consists of supportive care including:
Bowel rest by stopping feedings
Decompression of the intestines with
intermittent suction
Fluid and electrolyte replacement
Blood pressure support and antibiotic therapy
If the destruction is not halted, it can lead to bowel
perforation requiring immediate surgery, bowel
resection, colostomy placement, or even death.

9. Understanding
Your Rights
If your infant had NEC and you believe he or
she was not properly treated and that led to
a permanent intestinal injury or wrongful
death, you may want to contact
an experienced medical malpractice
attorney for additional information.
GENERAL MEETING | 2020

10. We Maintain Offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh,
New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For Cases Outside of These
States, We Work With Local Attorneys as Applicable.
Call (800) 243-1100 to schedule a consultation.