Low birthweight has been identified as a contributing factor to the
incidence of and mortality related to NEC. Over the past two decades,
there has been a significant increase in the number of lower
birthweight infants who are now surviving.19 This continued
improvement in their survival rate can be attributed to the
development and utilization of surfactant, antenatal steroids administered
prior to delivery to promote lung maturation and the
improved technology in the neonatal intensive care unit.