Modified Bell Staging (NEC)
The modified Bell staging of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), staging a newborn by systemic, intestinal, and radiographic findings, stages IA/IB/IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB.
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Example
- Modified Bell stage
- IIA - proven, mildly ill (pneumatosis)
Result: Modified Bell stage IIA (proven, mildly ill): pneumatosis intestinalis on radiographs.
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What the result means
- Stage IA
- Suspected: systemic and mild intestinal signs, nonspecific radiographs.
- Stage IB
- Suspected: as IA plus grossly bloody stool.
- Stage IIA
- Proven, mildly ill: pneumatosis intestinalis.
- Stage IIB
- Proven, moderately ill: portal venous gas, acidosis, thrombocytopenia.
- Stage IIIA
- Advanced, severely ill, bowel intact: peritonitis, ascites.
- Stage IIIB
- Advanced, perforated: pneumoperitoneum.
What you enter
- Modified Bell stage
How this is calculated
Walsh MC, Kliegman RM. Necrotizing enterocolitis: treatment based on staging criteria. Pediatr Clin North Am. 1986;33(1):179-201. Read the source ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.