ABSTRACT
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has a variable incidence across the world, ranging from 1.8% to 10.9% in very low-birth-weight infants. A clear explanation for this variability is lacking, although among others, variable practice patterns in NEC management may be considered a contributing factor. There is no international consensus on the definition of NEC; neither is there an international guideline stipulating the best practice concerning the diagnosis and management of NEC. Literature regarding practice patterns in NEC management internationally is limited and mainly provided through surveys, questionnaires, and a few cross-border studies. The available literature indicates that practice patterns vary among physicians, but the overall trend appears to be similar among different continents. Moreover, NEC management seems to be based mostly on expert opinions rather than solid evidence-based guidelines. The number of randomized controlled trials in this field is limited, highlighting the difficulty of performing trials in NEC due to disease severity and acuity of the disease.
