Abstract
The diagnosis of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis is one of great concern to pediatric and neonatal clinicians. Intravenous access remains an integral part of the medical and surgical management of infants with this diagnosis, and the infusion nurse is intimately involved in the care of these patients. This article discusses the definition of necrotizing enterocolitis, presents current knowledge regarding its basic pathophysiology, and identifies common and rare sequelae of this oftentimes devastating disease of premature infants. Medical and surgical management goals of therapy are described. This overview will aid the infusion nurse in caring for these patients.