Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov.

Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at OPM.gov.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

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.