Different Perspectives in Defining Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Establishing a definition for necrotizing enterocolitis has been a goal for the past 50 or more years. Many definitions and diagnostic criteria have been proposed, including the commonly used Bell staging. There are notable similarities and differences between published criteria, but uncertainty as to which criteria are the most important in establishing the initial diagnosis of NEC and assessing progression. In this article, we highlight current approaches to the diagnosis of NEC, summarize features across various published criteria, and discuss approaches that may improve the diagnosis of NEC.