Research advances in necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates

Abstract:

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a catastrophic disease caused by a variety of factors in neonates, especially preterm infants. Severe NEC has a high fatality rate, and most survivors may face short-and long-term adverse prognosis. Risk factors for NEC include preterm birth, non-breastfeeding, microbial abnormalities in the digestive tract, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. High-resolution abdominal ultrasound helps with the early diagnosis of NEC. The preventive measures for NEC include protecting the intestinal mucosa through nutritional intervention, interfering with intestinal injury signals, changing intestinal microflora, and performing early minimal enteral nutrition. This disease progresses rapidly, and there are still no effective measures. Supportive care is mainly used for the treatment of this disease, and patients in severe conditions may need surgical treatment. Celastrol, lipopolysaccharide, and fecal transplantation help with the treatment of NEC, but further studies are needed to confirm their clinical effects.