DEFINITION
Leads to:
A life-threatening Mucosal injury
gastrointestinal → bacterial
NECROTIZING emergency in neonates invasion → gas
formation in
ENTEROCOLITIS
JJ characterized by
bowel wall
(NEC) intestinal inflammation,
necrosis, and possible
perforation
Epidemiology
Etiology /
Most common in premature Pathogenesis
infants (<32 weeks)
Typically occurs after Prematurity (immature gut
starting enteral feeds
immunity)
Peak: 2–3 weeks of life
Enteral feeding (especially
Higher risk:
Low birth weight (<1500 g) formula)
Formula-fed babies Bacterial colonization
Leads to:
A life-threatening Mucosal injury
gastrointestinal → bacterial
NECROTIZING emergency in neonates invasion → gas
formation in
ENTEROCOLITIS
JJ characterized by
bowel wall
(NEC) intestinal inflammation,
necrosis, and possible
perforation
Epidemiology
Etiology /
Most common in premature Pathogenesis
infants (<32 weeks)
Typically occurs after Prematurity (immature gut
starting enteral feeds
immunity)
Peak: 2–3 weeks of life
Enteral feeding (especially
Higher risk:
Low birth weight (<1500 g) formula)
Formula-fed babies Bacterial colonization
