Malek AJ, et al. - In this retrospective matched cohort study, 20-year growth outcomes in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) survivors were studied. Researchers included 527 neonates: 294 with NEC, and 233 controls. Among the NEC cases, 68% were Bell's stage I, 25% were stage II, and 7% were stage III. They noted median gestational age of 29 weeks, and median birth weight of 1237 g. Infants with NEC exhibited a markedly slower growth rate in terms of weight but not length when compared to overall and sex-matched controls. Results suggest a more profound impact of non-surgical NEC on long-term growth than previously considered.