Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: review and current concepts.

Necrotizing enterocolitis poses a serious threat to the increasing number of "at risk" neonates. Its clinical picture is characterized by abdominal distension, gastric retention, bile vomitus, and bloody stools. Abdominal roentgenograms demonstrate loops of intestine with intramural gas. Many of the neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis have been successfully managed by aggressive medical treatment. A review of the clinical course of 64 neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis in the acute phase suggests that either persistence of abdominal distention, development of edema and erythema of the abdominal wall, or pneumoperitoneum are indications for surgical intervention. Seven neonates presented with colonic stenosis several months after the management of the acute phase of necrotizing entercolitis.