[Primary ulcero-necrotizing enterocolitis of the newborn. Advancements in management. Improvement in prognosis].

We report our experience acquired over the last seven years with the management of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates. This condition occurs mainly in small-for-dates, premature, critically ill infants. Diagnosis rests on the combination of clinical evidence of intestinal obstruction with non-specific signs of a decline in general health and suggestive roentgenographic findings. Mortality has fallen from 80% to 24% over the last eight years as a result of advances in the medical management of low-birth-weight infants, earlier treatment of bowel ischemia suspected on the basis of inconspicuous manifestations, and improvements in neonatal intensive care and surgical techniques.