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How is Necrotizing Enterocolitis NEC diagnosed?

See how Necrotizing Enterocolitis NEC is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis NEC

Necrotizing Enterocolitis NEC diagnosis

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. It is characterized by inflammation and tissue death in the intestines, which can lead to severe complications and even death if not diagnosed and treated promptly.



Diagnosing NEC



Diagnosing NEC can be challenging as its symptoms can be similar to other conditions. However, healthcare professionals use a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to diagnose NEC.



Clinical Evaluation:



The first step in diagnosing NEC involves a thorough clinical evaluation of the infant. The healthcare provider will assess the baby's medical history, symptoms, and perform a physical examination. They will look for signs such as:




  • Abdominal distension (swelling)

  • Bloody stools or bile-colored vomit

  • Lethargy or decreased activity

  • Poor feeding or intolerance to feedings

  • Temperature instability



Laboratory Tests:



Several laboratory tests are conducted to aid in the diagnosis of NEC. These tests help assess the severity of the condition and rule out other possible causes. The most commonly performed tests include:




  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the levels of different blood cells, such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. An abnormal CBC may indicate infection or inflammation.

  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Elevated levels of CRP in the blood can indicate inflammation.

  • Electrolyte and Blood Gas Analysis: These tests help evaluate the baby's fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as assess the acid-base status.

  • Stool Culture: A stool sample may be collected to check for the presence of bacteria or other pathogens that could be causing the symptoms.



Imaging Studies:



Imaging studies play a crucial role in diagnosing NEC. The two most commonly used imaging techniques are:




  • X-ray: Abdominal X-rays can reveal signs of intestinal inflammation, such as air in the bowel wall or free air in the abdomen.

  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging can help visualize the intestines and detect abnormalities, such as thickened bowel walls or decreased blood flow.



Additional Procedures:



In some cases, additional procedures may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or assess the severity of NEC. These procedures may include:




  • Abdominal Paracentesis: This procedure involves removing a small amount of fluid from the abdomen for analysis. It can help determine if there is an infection present.

  • Exploratory Laparotomy: In severe cases or when the diagnosis is uncertain, a surgical procedure called exploratory laparotomy may be performed. It allows direct visualization of the intestines and assessment of the extent of tissue damage.



Conclusion:



Diagnosing NEC requires a comprehensive approach involving clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to initiate appropriate treatment and prevent complications. If you suspect your baby may have NEC, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.


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Necrotizing Enterocolitis NEC stories
My son was born at 24 weeks in may 2015. Git NEC at 10 weeks old & transferred to a London hospital for 5 weeks. During this time he was nil by mouth & on antibiotics for 2 weeks. But it didn't work & had surgery to remove 15cms of bowel & have a sto...
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Niamh was a 4 week old very content little baby girl until Boxing Day (26/12/16) she started having bloody diarrhoea. We took her to A&E they thought it may be an allergy and sent her home on new milk. 9 hours later we returned she had been screaming...
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My daughter developed NEC 1 day old after a bad pregnancy and delivery. She was 5 weeks early. Her body tried to hide it so it was undiagnosed for nearly 4 weeks. She had 3 major surgeries resulting in aromas. Then when closed she was left with a g...

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