When diagnosing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates, several key clinical signs and symptoms should be considered Maheshwari et al. 2022.
Early clinical signs of NEC can often be non-specific, similar to other neonatal infections, and may include general signs such as lethargy, poor feeding, and temperature instability NICE NG195 Maheshwari et al. 2022.
More specific gastrointestinal signs commonly observed include abdominal distension, bilious vomiting, bloody stools, and increased gastric residuals Maheshwari et al. 2022.
Systemic signs that indicate a more severe presentation or progression of NEC can involve apnea and bradycardia Maheshwari et al. 2022.
These clinical features are crucial for the initial suspicion and diagnosis of NEC Cai et al. 2023.
Key References
- NG1 - Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in children and young people: diagnosis and management
- CKS - Gastroenteritis
- NG195 - Neonatal infection: antibiotics for prevention and treatment
- CKS - GORD in children
- NG154 - Neonatal parenteral nutrition
- CG84 - Diarrhoea and vomiting caused by gastroenteritis in under 5s: diagnosis and management
- CKS - Ulcerative colitis
- (Cuna et al., 2018): Bowel Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Meta-analysis.
- (Maheshwari et al., 2022): Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Clinical Features, Histopathological Characteristics, and Genetic Associations.
- (Cai et al., 2023): A Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis.