ENTEROCOLITIS, NECROTIZING, IN PREMATURE INFANTS

Course overview

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening condition characterized by acute mucosal necrosis in the intestines that affects mostly premature infants within the first 2 weeks of life, but can occur as late as 3 months of age in infants of very low birth weight (defined as < 1,500 g at birth). This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of NEC in premature infants, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.