Necrotizing Enterocolitis Dictionary and Related Terms

The following is a collection of terms related to Necrotizing Enterocolitis:

A

Abdominal distension: Unusual or excessive swelling or bloating of the stomach area. 

Atypical necrotizing enterocolitis: NEC that occurs before the baby turns one week old or before the baby’s first feeding. 

C

Classic necrotizing enterocolitis: The most common type of NEC; it often affects babies born before 28 weeks gestation. It usually occurs three to six weeks after birth. 

E

Enteral nutrition: Tube feeding; a tube is placed in the nose or belly to provide nutrients. 

I

Intestines: Also called bowels, a part of the digestive system that connects the stomach to the anus. The intestines are responsible for absorbing nutrients. 

IV catheter: A flexible tube placed in a vein that can deliver medication, fluids, or nutrition. It can also be used to take blood samples. 

M

Malabsorption: A condition where the small intestine does not properly absorb nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition. 

N

Nasogastric tube: A thin tube inserted through the nose or mouth. It’s used to remove gas and fluids from the stomach. 

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC): a gastrointestinal condition that commonly affects premature babies. It causes diseased and dead intestinal tissue. 

O

Ostomy: A procedure in which doctors create a small hole in the stomach. This hole is connected to the large intestine and allows stool to exit the body. 

P

Premature baby: A baby born before 37 weeks gestation. 

S

Short-bowel syndrome: A condition where a significant portion of the bowel is diseased or missing. It can lead to malabsorption and malnutrition. 

Stoma: A small hole in the abdomen that allows stool to exit the body. 

T

Term infant necrotizing enterocolitis: NEC in a baby born at full term. This usually affects babies with a birth defect or with low oxygen levels. 

Transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis: NEC that develops after a baby receives a blood transfusion.