NEC is the most common, serious gastrointestinal disease affecting newborn infants. Healthcare providers consider this disease as a medical and surgical emergency. The condition is most commonly seen in premature infants. NICHD supports and conducts research to understand the causes of NEC, to seek better treatments for this condition, and to find ways to prevent it.
General Information
Common symptoms include not being able to digest food; bloating, swelling, and discoloration of the stomach; diarrhea; and more.
Preterm and low birth weight babies have a higher risk of NEC.
Certain symptoms can show NEC as well as an abdominal X-ray and other tests.
The treatment for NEC varies with the severity of the disease and can include feeding through a tube, antibiotics, and emergency surgery.
The cause of NEC is not well known. In premature infants, the cause may be related to the immaturity of the child’s digestive system.
Research
NICHD conducts and supports research on NEC and on many disorders associated with it.
Find a Study
NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to NEC.
More Information
Find answers to other common questions about NEC, such as how to describe it to a healthcare provider, what effects it can have, and available treatments.
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