Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Past Trends and Current Concerns

Necrotizing enterocolitis is the most common gastrointestinal emergency in the preterm infant. It is unpredictable, and the etiology is complex and not well understood. Yet, the care of these infants requires astute assessment and management for the outcome to be favorable. No one can predict to whom or when this life-threatening emergency will occur. The purpose of this article is to explore the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, the pathophysiology associated with necrotizing enterocolitis, the contributing factors needed to confirm the diagnosis, and the plan of care required for these infants. In addition, a discussion of new management strategies is included.