Tiny Fighters: Getting to the Bottom of it
Hi everyone! Welcome back to my blog!
As a recap, last week we focused on the biological assay we did to test to see if breastfeeding is statistically significant in the incidence of NEC. Unfortunately, our results yielded that it isn’t but they may be due to a specific factor: the kit was expired. This week’s blog is going to be centered around the diagnosis of NEC. I’ve noticed that I haven’t acknowledged or dedicated a blog post towards diagnosis and treatment explicitly so I decided to reserve this blog post for identifying the condition and what methods are initiated to combat inflamed areas.
If a baby is showing symptoms of NEC, such as abdominal swelling, feeding intolerance, or blood in the stool, a diagnosis can be made by checking for an abnormal gas pattern on an X-ray. This pattern appears as a bubbly or streaky appearance of gas in the walls of the intestine. However, in severe cases, air may escape from the intestine and show up in the large veins of the liver or the abdominal cavity.
To further confirm the diagnosis, a doctor may perform a procedure called paracentesis, which involves inserting a needle into the belly to withdraw fluid. This procedure helps to determine whether there is a hole in the intestine or not.
Other findings that may indicate NEC include: dilated loops of the bowel, pneumatosis intestinalis, portal venous air, air bubbles in the veins that go to the liver, and air outside of the intestines in the abdominal cavity. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly if your baby displays any of these symptoms to prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.
When it comes to treating infants with developing intestines, there are several methods that can be used. One of the most effective ways is to temporarily halt feedings, which allows the infant to adjust to their immature intestine. Another method is to use a nasogastric tube to remove any air and fluid from the stomach, which can cause discomfort and other issues. Additionally, an IV may be necessary for fluid replacement and nutrition, especially if the infant is unable to take food by mouth. If there is an infection, antibiotics may also be administered to help clear it up and prevent further complications.
A timely and accurate diagnosis as well as the appropriate treatment of NEC is of utmost importance in significantly reducing the mortality rates among infants. It is crucial to provide the best possible care to these vulnerable infants to give them the best chance of recovery and a healthy life ahead. Thank you for reading!
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/nec/conditioninfo/diagnose
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