Pathology and pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis in newbornsAuthorRichard J Schanler, MDSection EditorSteven A Abrams, MDDeputy EditorMelanie S Kim, MDDisclosures: Richard J Schanler, MD Consultant/Advisory Boards: Medela [Breastfeeding (Breast pumps, collection kits)]. Steven A Abrams, MD Grant/Research/Clinical Trial Support: Mead-Johnson [Nutrition (Infant formulas)]. Melanie S Kim, MD Nothing to disclose. Contributor disclosures are reviewed for conflicts of interest by the editorial group. When found, these are addressed by vetting through a multi-level review process, and through requirements for references to be provided to support the content. Appropriately referenced content is required of all authors and must conform to UpToDate standards of evidence. Conflict of interest policyAll topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. Literature review current through: Jun 2015. | This topic last updated: Jun 02, 2015. INTRODUCTIONNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most common gastrointestinal emergency in the newborn infant, is a disorder manifested by ischemic necrosis of the intestinal mucosa [1]. It is associated with inflammation, invasion of enteric gas forming organisms, and dissection of gas into the muscularis and portal venous system.NEC occurs in 1 to 3 per 1000 live births and is seen predominately in premature infants with an incidence of about 6 to 7 percent in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (birth weight