Symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants

The main symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants include the following: 1. Abdominal distension: Due to intestinal dysfunction and impaired digestion and absorption, excessive gas and fluid accumulate within the intestines, leading to abdominal swelling. This distension typically occurs in the central abdomen and may be accompanied by a feeling of abdominal tightness. 2. Vomiting: Inflammation irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa can trigger vomiting, which often occurs after feeding. The vomitus may contain milk, bile, or appear coffee-ground in color. 3. Diarrhea and bloody stools: Infants may develop diarrhea, frequently passing watery or loose stools. Bloody stools may also occur due to mucosal damage and bleeding caused by colonic inflammation. The blood in the stool is usually bright red or dark red and may be mixed with mucus. 4. Systemic symptoms: These include unstable body temperature, poor mental responsiveness, and refusal to feed. In severe cases, symptoms such as acidosis and shock may develop. The presence of these symptoms suggests that a premature infant may have necrotizing enterocolitis and requires immediate medical evaluation and treatment.