Are there any potential side effects of the treatment for NEC?

There are many side effects that are related to the infection and inflammation from the NEC. Several of the antibiotics used to treat the infection require blood levels to be monitored and may result in some hearing loss if too high (due to toxic effects of the antibiotics on the nerve function within the inner ear). Breathing failure, kidney failure, low blood pressure, and bleeding problems are common issues that occur with NEC. When needed, surgery may be performed in a less than stable situation. Blood and fluid losses due to bleeding abnormalities and inflammation may further worsen the situation. Decreased blood pressure and flow could also cause injury to the brain.

The baby may need prolonged IV nutrition, which could lead to liver injury, a need for stable IV access, and subsequent infections of the bloodstream. A complication that may occur four to six weeks after the infant recovers is a narrowing in the intestine that requires surgery to correct.