Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has widespread implications for neonates. While mostly affecting preterm neonates, full-term neonates, especially those with congenital heart disease, are also at risk.

The precise pathogenesis of NEC is elusive. For a brief review of GI anatomy and physiology, see Sidebar 2. As early as 1975, the triad of GI mucosal injury, presence of bacteria in the gut, and ...