Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of necrotizing enterocolitis?

Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of necrotizing enterocolitis?

• A. Inflammation and ischemic necrosis of the intestine
• B. Autoimmune destruction of colon
• C. Viral infection of stomach
• D. Gallbladder obstruction

Answer: (A)

Necrotizing enterocolitis is defined by inflammatory injury to the bowel that can progress to ischemic necrosis. In premature or ill neonates, the intestinal mucosa is immature and more vulnerable. Formula feeding promotes bacterial overgrowth and translocation across a compromised mucosal barrier. The resulting inflammatory cascade damages the bowel wall, and episodes of reduced blood flow cause ischemia. The combination can lead to necrosis of the intestinal tissue, potentially becoming full-thickness and perforated if not treated. This pattern distinguishes it from conditions like autoimmune destruction of the colon, viral infection of the stomach, or gallbladder obstruction.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is defined by inflammatory injury to the bowel that can progress to ischemic necrosis. In premature or ill neonates, the intestinal mucosa is immature and more vulnerable. Formula feeding promotes bacterial overgrowth and translocation across a compromised mucosal barrier. The resulting inflammatory cascade damages the bowel wall, and episodes of reduced blood flow cause ischemia. The combination can lead to necrosis of the intestinal tissue, potentially becoming full-thickness and perforated if not treated. This pattern distinguishes it from conditions like autoimmune destruction of the colon, viral infection of the stomach, or gallbladder obstruction.