Problem:
A female neonate was born 8 weeks premature at 32 weeks gestation. She is currently 3 weeks of age and has recently advanced to oral feedings with artificial infant formula as her sole source of nutrition. She developed symptoms that suggest that she is developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a condition that causes intestinal inflammation and leads to tissue death. What anatomic problem would most likely lead to the symptoms associated with NEC? What causes the underlying pathology associated with NEC? What are the risk factors for this neonate that would suggest NEC? What are the clinical manifestations you would expect with NEC? What diagnostic tests might be used to identify NEC? How would you manage an infant with NEC? Want Online Help?