Risk factor identified for life-threatening disease in preemies

Many premature infants suffer a life-threatening bowel infection called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).Researchers at Loyola University Health System have identified a marker to identify those infants who are at risk for the infection, enabling doctors to employ early preventive strategies. These findings were published in the latest issue of the Journal of Pediatric Surgery."This information will allow us to better care for these premature infants," said Jonathan Muraskas, MD, study investigator and co-medical director of Loyola's neonatal ICU.