Necrotising Enterocolitis Flashcards
What is necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)?
It is defined as a surgical emergency, in which acute bowel inflammation results in necrosis
What is the most common surgical emergency in the neonatal period?
Necrotising Enterocolitis
What is the pathophysiological cause of necrotising enterocolitis?
There is damage to the intestinal mucosa due to vascular insults, toxin exposure, infection or genetic factors
This damage allows pathogenic colonisation of normal commensal bacteria
What is the pathophysiological consequence of necrotising enterocolitis?
It can lead to bowel perforation, peritonitis and ultimately septic shock
What seven risk factors are associated with necrotising enterocolitis?
Premature < 32 Weeks
Low Birth Weight
Formula Feeding
Enteral Feeding
Respiratory Distress
Congenital Heart Disease
Antibiotic Administration
When does necrotising enterocolitis tend to present?
A corrected gestational age of 30 – 33 weeks
What are the seven clincial features of necrotising enterocolitis?
Feeding Intolerance
Green Bile Vomiting
Abdominal Distension
Abdominal Tenderness
Palpable Abdominal Mass
Reduced Bowel Sounds
Haematochezia
What is haematochezia?
It is defined as the presence of fresh blood in stools
What four investigations are used to diagnsoe necrotising enterocolitis?
Blood Tests
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
Abdominal Ultrasound Scans
Abdominal X-Rays
What four blood test results indicate necrotising enterocolitis?
Decreased Neutrophil Levels
Decreased Platelet Levels
Increased CRP Levels
Positive Blood Culture
What three ABG features indicate necrotising enterocolitis?
Decreased pH Levels
Increased Bicarbonate Levels
Increased Lactate Levels
When are abdominal ultrasound scans used to diagnose necrotising enterocolitis?
They are the first line investigation
What are the three features of necrotising enterocolitis on abdominal ultrasound scans?
Portal System Air Bubbles
Abdominal Ascites
Bowel Perforation
What is the gold standard investigation used to diagnose necrotising enterocolitis?
Abdominal X-Rays
What are the seven features of necrotising enterocolitis on abdominal x-rays?
Dilated Bowel Loops
Thickened Bowel Wall
Pneumatosis Intestinalis
Portal Venous Gas
Pneumoperitoneum
Rigler Sign
Football Sign