Necrotizing enterocolitis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a relatively common disorder of unknown etiology that primarily affects premature newborns. The majority of babies with necrotizing enterocolitis respond to nonsurgical management, and, despite an increase in the number of premature infants, the surgical mortality rate has improved. This review provides an overview of the current literature covering new developments in etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy, outcome, and preventable measures related to necrotizing enterocolitis.