CDC/NHSN Criteria for Necrotizng Enterocolitis (NEC)

Description

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) have developed surveillance definitions for health care-associated infection (HCAI) and specific types of infections in health care settings. Necrotizing enterocolitis can be diagnosed if certain findings are present.

Criteria – all of the following:

(1) infant (age <= 12 months)

(2) 2 or more of the following signs and symptoms

(2a) vomiting

(2b) abdominal distention

(2c) prefeeding residuals

(3) persistent blood in stools (microscopic or gross)

(4) one or more abdominal radiographic findings

(4a) pneumoperitoneum

(4b) pneumatosis intestinalis

(4c) unchanging loops of small bowel that appear to be “rigid”

(5) absence of other recognizable cause

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10