Modifiable risk factors likely play a significant role, as the highly variable NEC rates across NICUs suggest. Moreover, NEC accounts for nearly 20% of annual NICU spending in the US.( 5) It is estimated that avoiding even a single case of surgical NEC could save up to $250,000.( 6) Risk for NEC extends beyond the non-modifiable factors (low gestational age, birth weight and severe illness) to which it is often attributed.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) leads to death in up to 30-50% of the premature infants who develop it,( 1, 2) and population level incidence has not decreased appreciably in over a decade.( 3, 4) NEC results in extremely long hospitalizations, long-term gut morbidity, prolonged indwelling central line time, and co-morbidity with central-line associated infections.
