What Causes Nec in Preemies

NEC is a serious illness in very sick, usually premature newborns. It happens when tissue in the large intestine (colon) gets inflamed. No one knows what causes NEC. High-risk babies, especially premature babies who are fed formula through bottles or tubes, are more likely to get it.

Why do preemies get NEC?

NEC is a serious illness in very sick, usually premature newborns. It happens when tissue in the large intestine (colon) gets inflamed. No one knows what causes NEC. High-risk babies, especially premature babies who are fed formula through bottles or tubes, are more likely to get it.

Can premature babies survive NEC?

NEC is common and can be fatal. It is mostly a disease of premature babies, and the most common cause of death in very premature infants after two weeks of age. NEC usually strikes very suddenly and can progress rapidly.