Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Microfluidic Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Incorporating Human Neonatal Intestinal Enteroids and a Dysbiotic Microbiome
06:51

Microfluidic Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Incorporating Human Neonatal Intestinal Enteroids and a Dysbiotic Microbiome

Published on: July 28, 2023

Necrotizing enterocolitis: etiology, presentation, management, and outcomes

Wanda Todd Bradshaw1

  • 1Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. wanda.bradshaw@duke.edu

The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing
|February 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal condition in premature infants, causing significant illness and death. Early recognition and improved management are crucial for better infant outcomes in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Critical Care

Background:

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of gastrointestinal morbidity and mortality in neonates.
  • The condition presents significant challenges for prevention, diagnosis, and management in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
  • NEC impacts infants with both immediate and long-term health complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of necrotizing enterocolitis in infants.
  • To highlight the challenges faced by clinicians in managing NEC.
  • To emphasize the need for improved strategies to enhance outcomes for affected neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on necrotizing enterocolitis.
  • Analysis of clinical challenges in NEC management.
  • Discussion of current and potential therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • NEC remains a common and serious condition in the NICU.
  • Substantial morbidity and mortality associated with NEC.
  • Clinicians face difficulties in prevention, recognition, and treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis requires continued research and improved clinical strategies.
  • Effective management of NEC is critical to reduce infant mortality and long-term complications.
  • Further advancements in prevention and treatment are essential for improving infant survival and quality of life.

More Related Videos

In Vitro Apical-Out Enteroid Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis09:11

In Vitro Apical-Out Enteroid Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Published on: June 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD: