Necrotizing enterocolitis: an unusual cause of rectal bleeding in a term infant

A 5-day-old term infant presented to the emergency department with a seven-hour history of rectal bleeding. He had had an uncomplicated prenatal course with no significant risk factors during the third trimester or perinatal period. The infant presented in minimal distress but was admitted for further workup and evaluation. The workup revealed necrotizing enterocolitis, which ultimately required surgical management. The infant was discharged with a colostomy, and then was readmitted ten weeks later for reanastomosis.