necrotizing enterocolitis
definition of necrotizing enterocolitis
1. a sometimes life threatening condition in which part of the tissue lining the intestines dies. It often occurs in premature infants and underweight newborn babies. Although the cause is unknown, this condition involves decreased blood flow to the intestine and possibly a bacterial infection of the tissue lining the intestine. Symptoms include a swollen abdomen, vomiting, feeding difficulties, blood in the stool, abnormal tiredness, and diarrhea.1