What to do about neonatal necrotizing colitis

The word "newborn" attracts much attention from everyone, and everything about the newborn affects each of us. When it comes to neonatal necrotizing colitis, systemic manifestations such as unstable body temperature, apnea, bradycardia, and drowsiness are often present at the onset. For newborns it is about understanding the differences in gender, age and season. Next, I will tell you how to observe this situation in newborns.

1 Medical history and clinical manifestations: For premature infants with high-risk factors, abdominal distension and bowel sound changes should be closely observed. If vomiting, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and bloody stools occur, abdominal X-rays and fecal occult blood tests should be taken immediately.

2 Abdominal distension and weakened bowel sounds: The child first experiences delayed gastric emptying and gastric retention, followed by abdominal distension. In mild cases, there is only abdominal distension. In severe cases, symptoms rapidly worsen, the abdomen becomes swollen like a drum, and bowel sounds weaken or even disappear. Abdominal distension in premature infants with NEC is atypical. Abdominal distension and weakened bowel sounds are early symptoms of NEC. For high-risk children, changes in abdominal distension and bowel sounds should be observed at all times.

3 Vomiting: Children often experience vomiting, and the vomitus may be coffee-like or contain bile. Some children do not vomit, but gastric contents containing coffee or bile can be extracted from the stomach.

4 Diarrhea and bloody stools: Initially, the stools are watery, ranging from 5 to 6 times to more than 10 times a day. After 1 to 2 days, the stools become bloody, which may be fresh blood, jam-like or black stools. In some cases, there may be no diarrhea or visible blood in the stool, only occult blood in the stool.

5 Systemic symptoms: Children with NEC often have poor response, lethargy, and refusal to eat. In severe cases, they may have pale or gray complexion, cold limbs, shock, acidosis, and worsening jaundice. Premature infants are prone to repeated respiratory arrest and slow heart rate. The body temperature is normal or there is a low fever, or the body temperature does not rise.

Neonatal necrotizing colitis occurs mainly in premature or sick newborns. This situation is caused by insufficient blood supply to the intestine, dietary factors, and bacterial infection. Expectant mothers must observe their babies carefully and seek medical attention promptly if their babies experience any discomfort as described above. The doctor will give timely treatment plan.