Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains one of the most devastating gastrointestinal emergencies in neonates, particularly among very low birth weight (VLBW) and preterm infants. Despite advances in neonatal intensive care, NEC continues to contribute significantly to neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in resource-limited settings such as Nigeria. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors and outcomes of NEC among very low birth weight infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design using retrospective chart review of 100 VLBW infants admitted between January and December 2024. Data were extracted using a structured checklist and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Finding revealed that 63% of the infants developed NEC, with the highest occurrence between four and seven days of life. Significant maternal risk factors included pregnancy-induced hypertension, chorioamnionitis, and prolonged rupture of membranes, while neonatal factors such as prematurity, low Apgar scores, neonatal sepsis, and formula feeding were strongly associated with NEC occurrence. The mortality rate among affected infants was 25%, and common complications included intestinal stricture, growth retardation, and prolonged hospital stay. The study concludes that NEC remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among VLBW infants at FMC Asaba. Preventive measures such as promotion of exclusive breast milk feeding, early detection of feeding intolerance, improved infection control practices, and adherence to standardized feeding protocols are strongly recommended to reduce NEC incidence and improve neonatal survival.