Stage IIB: moderately ill with systemic toxicity including acidosis,
thrombocytopenia, or ascites
Stage III (advanced NEC)^
Critically ill with
Stage IIIA:Stage IIIB: (^) proven intestinal perforationimpending intestinal perforation
When evaluating a patient with NEC, look for these conditions
- History: EGA, history of enteral feeds, PDA, UVC, UAC, indomethacin administration.
2 Exam: VS (tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension), abdominal tenderness, abdominal
discoloration. Note that abdominal discoloration may be an ominous sign for intestinal
necrosis. - Lab work: Platelet count, ABG
- KUB: 2 views of abdomen are necessary to thoroughly evaluate abdomen for free air.
Findings may include:
Fixed, dilated loop of bowel
Pneumatosis intestinalis
Sub-mucosal: bubbly
Sub-serosal: linear
Portal venous gas
Free air in abdomen
Classically above liver on LLD view
May see round lucency over mid-abdomen on KUB (“football sign”)
Outlined falciform ligament on Xray indicates free air