Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Question 1

What causes necrotizing enterocolitis?

Answer 1

Invasion of the gut mucosal wall by gas-producing bacteria.

Question 2

What are the main pathological features of NEC?

Answer 2

Intestinal inflammation and necrosis.

Question 3

What are the main risk factors for NEC?

Answer 3

Prematurity, very low birth weight (<1.5 kg), and enteral feeding.

Question 4

Why is prematurity a major risk factor for NEC?

Answer 4

Because premature infants have immature intestinal and immune systems, making them more susceptible to infection and ischemia.

Question 5

What are the nonspecific clinical signs of NEC?

Answer 5

Apnea, lethargy, and vital sign instability.

Question 6

What are the main gastrointestinal findings in NEC?

Answer 6

Abdominal distension, feeding intolerance, bilious vomiting (emesis), and bloody stools.

Question 7

What are the characteristic X-ray findings in NEC?

Answer 7

Pneumatosis intestinalis (air in the bowel wall) and pneumoperitoneum (free air under the diaphragm).

Question 8

What does pneumatosis intestinalis indicate?

Answer 8

It indicates gas within the intestinal wall due to bacterial invasion.

Question 9

What are the possible early complications of NEC?

Answer 9

Sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Question 10

What are the possible late complications of NEC?

Answer 10

Intestinal strictures and short-bowel syndrome.