NEC is the second most common cause of death in neonatal care units in the developed world. Babies with NEC have more chance of developing blood infection and gut dysfunction. Babies with surgically treated NEC have poorer brain development than medically treated babies. Treatment and post surgery rehabilitation may take many months and the impact of this physical and psychological trauma on the baby and its parents can be devastating.

Dr Enitan Ogundipe and her research team, based at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, want to undertake two studies; one to help improve treatment of existing cases of NEC and another with the longer term aim of being able to predict and prevent NEC occurring.

Thank you for your support.