Infants born prematurely are at increased risk for a gastrointestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (nec), which occurs when the intestine is injured. The cause is unknown.

早产儿罹患坏死性小肠结肠炎(NEC)的胃肠道疾病的风险较高，而这种疾病只有在小肠受伤时才发生，不过具体病因不详。