Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) can range in severity from mild to extreme. Fulminant necrosis of the entire gastrointestinal tract is the most severe form and is referred to as necrotizing enterocolitis totalis.
Synonym: fulminant necrotizing enterocolitis
Clinical features:
(1) rapid clinical deterioration
(2) pan-necrosis of the entire gastrointestinal tract
(3) high risk for multi-organ failure
(4) high risk for sepsis
If the disease is detected early with resectable disease (prior to development of pan-necrosis) and if the patient responds to resuscitation then there is a chance for survival.
Factors associated with poor outcome:
(1) poor response to resuscitation (persistent shock/hypotension)
(2) unresectable disease
(3) multi-organ failure
(4) sepsis
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
