<prompt> A very preterm baby on 30 mLkg of enteral feeding developed sudden severe abdominal distension with visible bowel loops on day 6 of life. The baby also showed temperature instability and lethargy. X-ray of the abdomen showed portal venous gas. The staging of NEC is?I2a2b3a  <response>: c. 2bRef: Nelsons 20e p 869-870, Ghai 8e p 165-166Stage of NECRadiological featureINormalmild intestinal dilatation IIIa: Pneumatosis intestinalis;IIb: Portal vein gasIIIa: PeritonitisAscites;IIIb: Pneumoperitoneum 