Necrotising Enterocolitis case study from a nurse's perspective

This case study reviews the Neonatal journey of Ava who received a diagnosis of Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC). Ava was born at 24 + 1 weeks gestation via normal vaginal delivery (NVD) weighing 615 g. Prior to her delivery, her mother received two doses of antenatal steroids and magnesium sulphate. When Ava was born, she was intubated, received surfactant and prepared for transport to the neonatal unit via the transport incubator. NEC continues to be a challenging and common condition. The specific cause of NEC remains unknown, however there are many risk factors that predispose infants to NEC, particularly those born prematurely or low birth weight. This case study explores the pathophysiology and the symptoms of NEC and analyses the nursing care and conservative treatment provided. This condition can have lifelong complications on the gastrointestinal system and have a damaging effect on the neurodevelopment of infants.